Jakob Ingebrigtsen described his performance as “terrible” after he suffered a shock exit in the men’s 1500m heats at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The world outdoor title is the only international 1500m gold medal missing from the Norwegian star’s collection after he was beaten by Great Britain’s Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman at the past two editions.
But the 24-year-old will not have the chance to end that wait inside the stadium where he triumphed in the Olympic 1500m four years ago after finishing eighth in his heat on Sunday.
Ingebrigtsen, a two-time Olympic and world champion, has endured an injury-disrupted season and did not race for six months prior to these championships.
“I was terrible,” Ingebrigtsen told BBC Sport.
“The race itself was perfect, especially how it turned out, it was gifted to me.
“Unfortunately I have lost too much and I have not been able to prepare.
“Of course I’m disappointed but it’s a reality check that it was never really going to happen. I was holding on for dear life because I love to compete.
“I’ve been glued to the floor unfortunately. I’ve not been able to do what is needed, clearly. I just have to look forward.”
Britons Kerr, Wightman and Neil Gourley progressed – and saw their medal hopes boosted further as Frenchman Azeddine Habz and talented Kenyan teenager Phanuel Koech, the top two fastest 1500m runners this year, both also exited the competition.
The men’s 1500m semi-finals take place on Monday (13:30 BST), with the final on Wednesday.