Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s rival bows out of Nanjing World Indoor Championships
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 18.03.25. | 22:00
Ingebrigtsen set new world records over 1,500m and the mile, while American Grant Fisher has rewritten records in the 3,000m and 5,000m
Britain’s medal hopes at the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China have suffered a major setback following the withdrawal of middle-distance star George Mills.
The 24-year-old, who recently clinched silver behind Norwegian rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the European 3,000m final, has been forced out due to illness.
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Mills, who has been bedridden since his impressive performance last Sunday, has been battling a virus and has been advised against making the long trip to China.
The British champion had been eagerly anticipating the competition, viewing it as a key opportunity to make an impact on the global stage.
“I was looking forward to this one and felt it was my first opportunity to mix it on the world level. As much as I want to travel, put myself on the start line, and just try, I have to listen to my team and respect our long-term goals.
I'll take some time to let the body fully recover before heading back to Dullstroom (his South African training base) later this month to prepare for the outdoor season,” Mills posted on his social media handles.
Mills’ absence is a blow to a British team already facing limited medal prospects. He had been expected to renew his rivalry with Ingebrigtsen over 3,000m, with hopes of improving upon his European silver medal. The Briton has been in top form this season, having shattered the national 3,000m indoor record.
Meanwhile, the middle-distance landscape has been dominated by record-breaking performances. Ingebrigtsen set new world records over 1,500m and the mile, while American Grant Fisher has rewritten records in the 3,000m and 5,000m.
Despite speculation that improved spikes and faster tracks have contributed to the recent surge in performances, Mills has dismissed such claims, emphasizing the dedication and hard work put in by athletes.
With Mills out, Britain's hopes rest on a lean squad, including Molly Caudery, who aims to defend her indoor pole vault title despite recent struggles with a muscle strain.
Georgia Hunter Bell, who narrowly missed a podium finish in the European 1,500m, will be looking for redemption against Ethiopian star Gudaf Tsegay and potentially controversial American Shelby Houlihan.
Houlihan, who recently met the qualifying standard, has returned to competition following a doping ban, which she attributed to consuming a tainted burrito.
