When it comes to dominance in the world of middle-distance running, few names evoke as much debate as Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Josh Kerr, and Cole Hocker. But there has to be only one who will top the list, right? To the surprise of Cole Hocker fans, he is not the one leading among these three, but Hocker’s rival is ahead. Out of all the sportspersons, each one has had their achievements, but the big majority of the supporters were invariably supporting Cole Hocker’s rival.

Despite Hocker’s strong fan base, it is undeniable that the young Americans’ performance hasn’t quite matched the consistent success to be on top. This opponent always steps on the gas when he is needed most, which is recognized even by those who call into question his performance under tough conditions. The way he handles such situations makes him a leading figure in sports. Though Hocker turns out to be the top track and field athlete, fans are not rooting for him.

Cole Hocker’s achievements fall short of being on the top

American middle- and long-distance runner Cole Hocker has recorded many milestones in his career, including an Olympic record and an area record of 3:27.65 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But sometimes it feels that nothing is enough in the competitive world, be it track and field or any other sport. Despite winning many accolades, fans are not choosing Hocker as their top priority but Norwegian track and field star Jakob Ingebrigtsen. A recent social media post ignited a storm of opinions as track and field fans chose Ingebrigtsen as a king of the 1500m event.

A track and field enthusiast and writer at ‘letsrundotcom’ posted on X asking people who they would rank as World #1 in the men’s 1500m in 2024. Each one of the athletes has their own achievements and milestones achieved. Like, Josh Kerr won World Championship gold in 2023 and 2024, but he lost the 1500m summit to Cole Hocker, though Kerr left Ingebrigtsen (3:28.24) behind with a clock time of 3:27.79 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The British star Kerr also signed up with Grand Slam Track (GST) as the first men’s athlete.

Cole Hocker is known for his epic face in 1500 m, but he will also compete in GST in 800 m. Hocker won many titles in competitions organized by USA Track and Field—four titles in the 1500m and one in the 3000m. Hocker also won silver at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in the 1500m event. Apart from all of these achievements, he has won many other competitions, like four NCAA titles and gold at the Paris Olympics in the 1500m event, for that matter. What about Jakob? How is his performance so far?

Norwegian runner Jakob also won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and won the European championship six times in the 1500m and 5000m in 2018, 2022, and 2024. Ingebrigtsen also counts as one of three men to run a sub-3:30 1500 m, a sub-7:30 3000 m, and a sub-12:50 5000 m. If this is not enough, he also broke the 3:30 barrier for the first time and made the first European record in the 1500m event with a clock time of 3:28.68, breaking Mo Farah’s record of 3:28.81. Though each of them—Hocker, Kerr, and Jakob—has shown up well in the 1500m event, fans are rooting for only one athlete.

‘Jakob is King‘: Fans crown Ingebrigtsen the best amid heated debate over Track and Field stars

Despite Cole Hocker’s performance at the Paris Olympics, Jakob is winning in the fans’ eyes. Track and field fans have analyzed and chosen their World #1. According to them, Jakob Ingebrigtsen should be the one winning the title. Keeping Hocker aside, fans are supporting Jakob and talking about his consistency.

One fan commented, “Jakob is by far the most consistent. Hocker has had one defining race. Jakob has several a year. Kerr needs some more W’s to be considered the favorite. Kessler breaks 3:28 this year.” The X user even compared other athletes to Jakob; another responded in favor of Hocker, as the comment reads, “Hocker proved he could close off of a fast pace. He peaked at the right time and 100% deserved GOLD. Really interested in what he will do in a 3K vs. Fisher.” Jakob holds the current world record in the 1500m, the 2000m, and the 3000m, along with the world-best time over the two-mile distance.

One fandom commented, “It’s Jakob, but I guarantee he would trade his 1500m season for Hocker’s without a second thought.” Another one even said, “Jakob is King,” which shows Ingebrigtsen’s influence over the track and field community and fans.

One track fan even confessed that he doesn’t like Jakob; still, he is the winner. The comment reads, “As much as I dislike the guy, clearly Jakob.” Jakob topped the list of best World Athletics points performances out of these three athletes; he has a record of 3:26.73 (1292), whereas Hocker is placed third with 3:27.65 (1278), after Kerr: 3:27.79 (1276). In your opinion, who should be the world’s #1? Tell us your views in the comment section.