Jakob Ingebrigtsen: – I am introverted

OSLO RÅDHUS (VG) Jakob Ingebrigtsen (21) claims that he is introverted. He believes this is an important reason for his unique success.

– Absolutely, the Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters answers the question of whether he is introverted.

He does this towards the end of an interview with VG during the traditional strawberry party in Oslo City Hall, the day before the Bislett Games – where he can become the first Norwegian to win the athletics competition’s classic “Dream Mile” (1609 meters).

When asked if he can describe what he puts into being introverted, the biggest attraction for the capital’s Diamond League meet is that he thrives alone.

– You feel best in your own company, with your girlfriend and the dog?

– Yes, it will be a bit like that, the 21-year-old from Sandnes answers – a month before he runs to win his first World Cup gold in Eugene.

On the way down the marble stairs and out of Oslo’s main hall after the international press conference, together with, among others, cohabitant Elisabeth Asserson – who is active as an influencer in social media – and her Swedish bait Daniel Wessfeldt, Jakob Ingebrigtsen addresses VG with an obviously strong desire to elaborate «introvert».

Seen from his side.

He believes that many of his competitors and teammates spend too much time and effort on being extroverted, or what he describes as extroverts. Typically in connection with championships. Instead of saving energy by “isolating” themselves in the hotel room, they sit and talk in a social setting – longer than they strictly have to.

– There are people on the Norwegian team, I do not want to mention names, who make stupid priorities. I understand well why they do not perform when it comes to championships. They feel compelled to do these social things during championships and are unable to go to bed, he says.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen thinks they feel obligated to do so, by virtue of being perceived as extroverts and almost not daring to deny it.

That’s why Duplantis loves Bislett:

Confronted with Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s statements and criticism directed at his teammates, the athletics association’s sports director Erlend Slokvik says that he “has not reflected on it” – before adding that people have different needs.

– Some may like to talk to others. It can be a way to alleviate nervousness, says Erlend Slokvik.

– I do not have a special need to follow it up. That must be his opinion. We follow up each individual practitioner, and they have different needs. He needs to be alone. I followed Jakob for a whole day in connection with the trial heat (1500 meters) in the Olympics. Then we hardly talked together. That’s how he does it, he elaborates.

Earlier in the interview, Jakob Ingebrigtsen said that it is important to be turned on as much as possible when you are “there” – on the starting line – and not so much when you are elsewhere. He says it has to do with a consistent professionalism “throughout life”.

– It’s a lifestyle. Turning it on and off. So where it so happens that perhaps many of us are introverted and sit at home in the living room when you are turned off, he says with himself in mind.

On the other hand, it does not seem that he feels particularly troublesome to be the subject of much attention, as during the session in Oslo City Hall – where the series of interviewers who only wanted a part of him was longer than long.

– Part of the job requires you to be extroverted, he says.

– It seems like it copes well?

– Yes, but it’s because I’ve been in the game since I was 12, so I’ve become quite experienced over time, he answers VG’s questions.