“I competed against a bunch of cowards,” said the Norwegian after the race, where the 25-year-old also criticized his opponents' tactics
Ingebrigtsen, who is otherwise known for his tactical cleverness, set the pace early on in this world-class field. But on the home stretch, the strongest competitors sprinted past the 25-year-old, including winner Cameron Myers of Australia.
“I’m giving it my all and running to win, but I’m not strong enough. That’s just how it is right now. But damn it, what a bunch of losers,” Ingebrigtsen was quoted as saying by the Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Ingebrigtsen was very unimpressed by the tactics of his fellow competitors. “The pacer is doing a lousy job in front of me. The others are much better than me right now, but my goodness. And then they just come charging in when there are only 50 meters left,” said Ingebrigtsen, who stumbled across the finish line in Brussels.
The other runners are “terrified,” Ingebrigtsen emphasized. “I’m really looking forward to coming back in a few months. Then I’ll run everyone into the ground,” said the Norwegian world star.
Only a month ago, Ingebrigtsen, who has otherwise struggled with Achilles tendon problems this season, won gold in the 5,000 meters event at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England.