Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed Britain's Josh Kerr is not competing at the European Championships, claiming that athletes who choose to miss major competitions are "ruining" the sport. Ingebrigtsen secured a stunning 5,000m gold on his long-awaited return from injury on Monday, becoming the joint-most successful athlete in European Championships history.

After 11 months out of competition, during which he underwent surgery on his Achilles, the 25-year-old wasted no time in reigniting his fierce rivalry with Kerr. Last month, Kerr smashed the mile world record before winning Commonwealth gold. The Scot made clear the Europeans were never part of his plans, but Ingebrigtsen believes Kerr should have been able to include it in his schedule.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Ingebrigtsen said: "Of course I am going to go for times, but I don't think you have to do one or the other." Asked if he was disappointed Kerr is not racing, he added: "Very - and I think a lot of people should be, because that is what championships are all about. It's not for us as athletes to choose where to participate. We have these championships for the best athletes to compete. So I definitely think it is ruining the sport if we are not participating."

The rivalry between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen has developed into one of the sport's most compelling storylines. Having taken Olympic 1500m bronze behind Ingebrigtsen five years ago, Kerr stunned his rival at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. Ingebrigtsen claimed he could beat Kerr blindfolded when fully fit, while Kerr said the Norwegian had "flaws on the track and in the manners realm." Ingebrigtsen has announced his return to the top by winning a record 7th European Championship gold - his 20th major international track title since 2018.