by Jeff Benjamin
Filip Ingebrigtsen, photo by World Athletics
Filip Ingebrigtsen is one of the three active Ingebrigtsen brothers. Filip is he second oldest, and @runblogrun was able to interview him in Dusseldorf in 2019, among other events. Jeff Benjamin sent him 4 questions and we thank Filip for his prompt response.
4 Questions With NYRR Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile Runner Filip Ingebrigtsen!
By Jeff Benjamin
Talk about an “Unknown Commodity!
Over the past few years the 3 Ingebrigtsen brothers have busted into the upper echelon of worldwide middle distance running. With a time of 3:31.01 over 1500 meters and a 3:49.60 mile, middle brother Filip also copped a Bronze 1500 at last year’s World Outdoor Championships.
The great anticipatory question amongst track fans is – Can Filip handle the fast, tight turns at the Armory Track center in his first indoor appearance here in the U.S.?
1) How Did You Start Out in the Sport?
“Sport and competition came really natural for me at an early age. Mostly because me and my brothers always competed in everything growing up. After trying several sports as a kid/teenager I was captured by the simplicity and fairness of athletics. The clock was fair and honest. It was also somehow intriguing to compare yourself to the great athletes before you, like Sebastian Coe, Cram, Walker, Prefontaine, etc. And fun to know that the next generation might do the same trying to beat my PR’s.”
2) When was the first time you saw elite athletes compete live and how did that influence you?
“Bislett Games 2005. I was invited to participate in a snowball throwing-competition as a show event/ pre event at the Bislett Games in 2005. After my competition I saw the main event and to this day I still remember the atmosphere in the stadium. It was electric. Athletes doing amazing things on the track and the spectators responding to it and inspire each other. Its been something I wanted to experience as an athlete on the track ever since. And I have been lucky enough to do so a couple of times.”
3) What is it about the Millrose Games that motivates you to compete there?
“Of course the long tradition and history of the event. To be a part of that history and compare myself to the old greats. And also compete against a high quality field with a knowledgeable crowd cheering us on.”
4) What ideas/encouragement/advice can you suggest to young athletes hoping to one day compete in Millrose at ther highest level?
“Set yourself short term and long term goals. Your goals should be an inspiration for yourself to put in hard work, even when you don’t feel like training.
And remember to enjoy the process. The effect of training is best when you’re happy😉“
