Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen underwent surgery on an Achilles tendon injury in the United States, but said “it’s not as bad as it seems.”
In the worst case, the recovery time from an Achilles operation can take up to 10 months, as stated by the 25-year-old Norwegian on his YouTube channel., external that he was analyzing a rehabilitation plan for the “coming months.”
Ingebrigtsen said he first injured his left Achilles tendon last April but was determined to compete at the World Championships in September, where he failed to win a medal.
The injury reappeared in January and he said it was “100% necessary” to undergo surgery to remove scar tissue surrounding the paratenon, a protective sheath surrounding the Achilles tendon.
“This is of course not something to be taken lightly, but absolutely the right thing to do for the longevity of my career,” Ingebrigtsen posted on Instagram, along with a photo of him sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a protective boot.
“The surgery went without a hitch and I am relieved to have a clear recovery path to the starting line after many months of uncertainty.”