Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Manager Reveals When Injured Norwegian Star Will Run Again

The timeline for Jakob Ingebrigtsen's competitive comeback remains uncertain, with the Norwegian running star now confirmed to miss the early part of the track and field season.

Ingebrigtsen will not compete in any races during May or June, according to his manager, Daniel Wessfeldt. The team is now targeting the second half of the season for his return to the track.

The 25-year-old underwent surgery this winter to address a persistent Achilles tendon issue that has plagued his career.

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While the primary goal remains competing in this summer's major championships, including the European Championships and the Diamond League final, his return to racing has been pushed back.

The athletics season is fast approaching, with the Diamond League circuit kicking off on May 16 and the prestigious Bislett Games in Oslo scheduled for June 10. However, Wessfeldt has confirmed that Ingebrigtsen will not be on the start line for any of these early meets.

"You need to be at a certain level when you compete. Therefore, there will be no races in May and June, that's quite clear. There will be nothing at the Bislett Games. I also don't know when he might be ready after that," Wessfeldt told Norwegian newspaper VG.

"It all depends on how his training progresses through late April and into May," he continued. "Things can move quickly, and he could get into shape, which would make competing in the second half of the season a possibility."

Ingebrigtsen has been largely silent about his recovery, aside from a January interview with The Guardian where he suggested a season debut at Bislett might be possible. This winter's surgery was intended to fix the Achilles problem that also disrupted his 2025 outdoor season.

Despite the delayed start, hopes are high that Ingebrigtsen can return to form for the summer's key events.

These include the European Championships in Birmingham (August 10-16), the Diamond League meet in Silesia (August 23), the Diamond League Final in Brussels (September 4-5), and the inaugural Ultimate Championship in Budapest (September 11-13).

His sponsor, Nike, is also likely hoping for a potential comeback at the Diamond League meet in Eugene on July 4.

"We have to hope and believe in the second part of the season. Competing in June is definitely too early," Wessfeldt explained. "It's not just about being healthy; he has to reach a certain level to race against the best. He can't risk anything at the start of the season."

When asked about Ingebrigtsen's potential to return to his peak, Wessfeldt was optimistic.

"The chances are very good when you see how easily Jakob gets into shape when he's pain-free. The procedure went well, but it takes time to build up to the training volume required to be at that level. If everything goes according to plan from here, he can be very good in the second half of the season."

Wessfeldt has had to turn down numerous invitations from race organizers for the spring and early summer. "They have to accept it," he said. "The most important thing now is that he gets fully fit and reaches the standard required to be on the starting line against the best."

Despite significant Achilles problems leading into the 2024 season, Ingebrigtsen delivered some of the best performances of his career. He set a world record in the 3000m (7:17.55), a European record in the 1500m (3:26.73), and secured the Olympic gold medal in the 5000m in Paris.