Tokyo World Championships: Azeddine Habz and Jakob Ingebrigtsen Out in 1500 m Heats
14/09/2025 08:19A shockwave hit Tokyo on Sunday morning as Azeddine Habz, the world’s top 1500 m performer this year, was eliminated in the heats, finishing a modest seventh. As if that wasn’t enough, Norwegian sensation Jakob Ingebrigtsen also fell short, ending eighth in his heat. For the French team, Romain Mornet will be the sole representative in the semi-finals.
Cited as one of France’s medal hopefuls at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, Azeddine Habz stumbled right from the start in the 1500 m. After clocking a blistering 3:27.49 in late June at Charléty (Paris), the Frenchie was caught out in the final sprint and failed to make the top six in a highly competitive heat—featuring Josh Kerr and Narve Gilje Nordås among others—finishing seventh in 3:36.62.
“There’s no explanation, it’s a cruel sport,” lamented the French record-holder in the mixed zone. “I was running around fifth for a long time but lost a bit of footing in the final straight. I lacked the punch in the last 100 meters. I tried to push, but I saw the South African coming back. I think it was too late. I felt good, though. Normally, I get through heats like this. Today, I really don’t understand. It’s a disappointment… I was pushed by the Italian, but that’s normal, it’s racing. I just try to place myself ahead, to be ready for the final sprint. In the last 400 meters, I felt strong. I restarted the sprint, controlled it, looked around—but in the last 50 meters, it didn’t respond anymore. I saw the finish line slipping away. I think it was an off day. I came here with the world’s best performance, so I didn’t expect to be eliminated in the heats. I wanted to avoid the traps of the heats… I think I need to work more on championship racing to avoid these pitfalls next time.” It’s a harsh blow for Habz, who had already been forced to end his Olympic campaign in the semifinals in Paris.
| Romain Mornet, France’s Sole Semi-Finalist
Behind the “cursed guide” Habz, Romain Mornet will advance to the next round. The vice French champion this summer drew on his reserves to power through the final stretch of his heat, finishing fourth in 3:37.19, behind returning 2022 world champion Jake Wightman. Paul Anselmini, meanwhile, fell short, placing ninth in Heat 2 (3:41.84).
| Jakob Ingebrigtsen Also Falls Short
The 1500 m, usually Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s stronghold, turned into an unexpected upset: the Norwegian was eliminated in the heats. Lacking legs and unable to impose his usual pace, the double 5000 m world champion slipped through the laps to finish eighth in 3:37.84, far below his standards.
“It’s my first experience of not advancing to the next round,” Ingebrigtsen commented. “Of course, it’s very disappointing, but at the same time, it’s a reality check. You have to prepare your best, and clearly, I’m not there yet. I think I’m probably closer to my level for the 5000 m at the moment. I’ll recover and have a few good days before I return in the 5000 m heats. Everything is a test.”
Having suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the spring, the 2021 Olympic 1500 m champion hadn’t raced since his remarkable indoor double of 1500 m and 3000 m at the World Indoor Championships in March. His team delayed his comeback all summer, ultimately deciding to send him to the World Championships without any preparatory races. The lack of race fitness was evident at the finish line.
Dorian VUILLET
Journaliste
