by Deji Ogeyingbo
Jakob Ingebrigtsen Returns with a Statement Win at European Cross Country Championships
The 30th edition of the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya delivered unforgettable moments. None stood out more than Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s commanding return to the competition. After missing last year’s event due to injury, the Olympic 5000m champion reclaimed the senior men’s title with a performance that reminded everyone why he remains Europe’s distance-running king.
From the start, Ingebrigtsen was patient. Great Britain’s Hugo Milner took an early lead, setting a fierce pace. Ingebrigtsen, known for his tactical brilliance, didn’t flinch. He stayed within striking distance, moving effortlessly through the pack as the race unfolded. By the final lap, Italy’s Yeman Crippa was the only one still challenging him. But as he has done many times before, Ingebrigtsen surged ahead with authority, leaving his competitors behind and winning by nine seconds. It was clinical. It was classic Jakob.
This victory marked his third senior European Cross Country title, adding to his wins in 2021 and 2022. It also capped off another remarkable season in which he secured Olympic Gold in the 5000m. His ability to dominate such varied terrains, track and cross-country, sets him apart from the rest of the field. Few athletes possess the versatility, endurance, and tactical skill needed to excel across both disciplines at the highest level.
Crippa, a two-time under-20 champion at these championships, earned his first senior medal with a silver. Belgium’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo claimed the bronze. In the team competition, Spain took Gold, Belgium secured Silver, and Great Britain rounded out the podium with bronze.
While Ingebrigtsen’s win was the headline, the championships offered much more. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti delivered a stunning performance in the senior women’s race. She upgraded her silver from last year to win gold, becoming the first woman ever to secure titles in the under-20, under-23, and senior categories. Her powerful finish left Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen and Turkey’s Yasemin Can battling for the remaining medals.
Great Britain once again dominated the team standings, winning 12 medals, including six Golds. Their rising stars shone brightly. Innes FitzGerald defended her under-20 women’s title with a commanding run, while team-mate Jess Bailey claimed silver, ensuring a British 1-2 finish. Phoebe Anderson took gold in the under-23 women’s race, outpacing a competitive field.
Will Barnicoat added another title for Great Britain by winning the under-23 men’s race, defending the title he claimed last year. His rivalry with Ireland’s Nick Griggs continued, with Barnicoat powering away in the closing meters to secure victory once again.
Meanwhile, Niels Laros of the Netherlands stole the spotlight in the under-20 men’s race. The 19-year-old, fresh off a strong season on the track, edged out Great Britain’s George Couttie in a thrilling sprint finish. Laros’ composure and finishing kick secured gold and cemented his status as one of Europe’s most promising young runners.
The championships proved that European distance running remains as competitive as ever. Rising stars announced themselves, seasoned veterans added to their legacies, and teams fought for every point. Yet, amid all the stories, one constant remained—Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the front, showing once again why he is the undisputed star of European distance running.
His victory in Antalya wasn’t just a race win—it was a statement. A reminder that even after setbacks, his talent, grit, and tactical brilliance are unmatched. Ingebrigtsen’s path from teenage phenom to dominant senior champion has been anything but ordinary. And if this performance is any sign, there’s still much more to come.
