As the double 1500 m and 5000 m champion at the past three European Championships (Berlin 2018, Munich 2022, Rome 2024), Ingebrigtsen is the first male athlete in European athletics history to win six gold medals. Under the rules, as the defending champion he has automatic entry into both finals.

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However, which event(s) he will actually contest remains uncertain. Although Norwegian outlet VG initially reported he would run the 5000 m, they later softened the wording. Agent Skoland and the Norwegian Athletics Federation have not disclosed his specific entries. Many speculate that, since the 1500 m (August 14–15) takes place after the 5000 m (August 10), he could attempt to defend both titles — but some Norwegian commentators have voiced concern about attempting a double so soon after surgery.

During Ingebrigtsen’s absence the European middle- and long-distance scene has shifted. Sweden's Andreas Almgren broke the European 5000 m record in June 2025 with 12:44.27.

This season Almgren leads the European 5000 m list with 12:48.61. Beyond Almgren, six other European men have gone under 13:00 this season.

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Additionally, Britain’s longtime rival Josh Kerr just broke the mile world record at the London Diamond League. If Kerr opts for the 1500 m, the two could stage a high-profile showdown in Birmingham.

For Ingebrigtsen, Birmingham is more than a comeback — it's an opportunity to set the record straight. At last year’s Tokyo World Championships he was hampered by injury, eliminated in the 1500 m heats and finishing 10th in the 5000 m. On his return he will be keen to prove he remains Europe's dominant middle- and long-distance runner.

This much-anticipated comeback drama will unfold in Birmingham this August.