Jakob Ingebrigtsen fought back from "the lowest of lows" to win a stunning 5,000m gold at the European Championships after almost a year out with injury.\n\nHis last competitive race was at the World Championships in Tokyo last September, where he finished 10th in the 5,000m final despite his Achilles issue preventing him from competing during the outdoor season. Announcing his return at the European Championships in Birmingham, Ingebrigtsen wrote that if you wait for perfect preparation, you'll wait your whole life. He said after discussions with his team there was "no reason not to race", though he was not necessarily in shape to compete for the title.\n\nHe did not make it easy for himself.

After a slow start, he worked through the pack but was stuck behind France's Jimmy Gressier on the final lap. However, he wrestled through and produced a superb sprint finish to keep his pristine European record intact.