SANDNES, NORWAY: Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the 21-year-old Norwegian athlete, has been making significant waves in the world of track and field. He recently showcased his talent at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, where he emerged as one of Norway's most prominent gold medalists.
During the championships, Ingebrigtsen swiftly advanced to the World Cup final in an impressive display of skill. This came right after his remarkable victory in the 1500-meter event, where he secured the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, he broke both the Olympic and European records in that race.
They haven’t picked a date yet
Ingebrigtsen's success doesn't end there. He has previously won two gold medals at the 2018 European Championships, triumphing in both the 1500-meter and 5000-meter races. Moreover, he holds the world record for the 1500m indoors, showcasing his versatility as a middle-distance runner. In an extraordinary feat, Ingebrigtsen was also a pacemaker for Eliud Kipchoge during the historic sub-two-hour marathon attempt in October 2019. At the time, he was the youngest pacemaker ever chosen for such a prestigious event. There’s more to his achievements!
Norwegian and European record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen and his longtime partner, Elisabeth Asserson, are preparing to tie the knot. The couple has been dating for over five years, and Elisabeth has witnessed all of Ingebrigtsen's major sporting triumphs. Asserson has been by his side, witnessing his journey from a promising young athlete to a shining star on the track. The couple got engaged in April 2021; however, they have reportedly not picked a date yet for the marriage.
Fist bump instead of a hug or kiss
During the World Cup, the Norwegian national team has strict rules prohibiting intimate contact with outsiders. Ingebrigtsen took these rules seriously and, after his race, when he encountered his girlfriend Elisabeth Asserson among the spectators, he chose to exchange a "fist bump" instead of a hug or kiss. This gesture was seen as a demonstration of his dedication to adhering to the team's regulations, which pleased the team's physician, Ove Talsnes.
Talsnes expressed his satisfaction, stating that Ingebrigtsen's actions show that he is a sincere and disciplined practitioner who respects and follows the rules set by the team. Talsnes emphasizes the importance of maintaining the "Norwegian bubble" during the competition, even though kissing is not explicitly prohibited. The "Norwegian bubble" refers to the team's strict adherence to their protocols and guidelines to ensure a focused and safe environment for all athletes.