Josh Kerr wins gold in men's 3,000m
Josh Kerr once believed he was "untouchable". And with good reason.
He secured the world outdoor 1500m gold in Budapest 2023, following an Olympic silver medal two years earlier. He also claimed world indoor gold over 3,000m in Glasgow in 2024.
The Paris Olympics was anticipated to be his next major achievement. Despite setting a British record in the 1500m final, Kerr finished with silver once again.
At the world championships last year, Kerr aimed to reaffirm his status as the leading 1500m athlete by defending his title. However, his calf muscle ruptured during the final, forcing him to finish last while enduring significant pain, both physical and emotional.
Therefore, when the Scottish athlete surged to world indoor victory again in Poland on Saturday, he experienced "a sense of relief as well as enjoyment and excitement."
GB's Kerr reclaims world indoor 3,000m title
When asked about competing for Scotland in Scotland, Kerr responded:
"Why would I give up chance to win gold for Scotland in Scotland?"
Reflecting on his recent successes, Kerr told 's Paula Radcliffe after retaining his 3,000m crown:
"When you win an outdoor title and back it up with an indoor title at home, it's almost like saying 'I'm untouchable and I'm never going to lose again'.
But sport is brutal and Tokyo reminded me that athletics doesn't owe me anything, regardless of how hard I work and the sacrifices I make.
Winning gold at a major championships is maybe something I took for granted for a little bit, so this one was really special.
I'm just trying to take it with a more mature head and know that these moments don't come all the time."
'I feel in best place I've ever been'
Kerr is now focusing on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, describing it as a "massive priority" alongside the European Championships and the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
His injury at the world championships prevented automatic pre-selection to represent Scotland in the mile event alongside Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley, though his place is expected to be confirmed soon.
At 28 years old and recovering from the calf injury, Kerr acknowledges the demanding schedule but is prepared to take it on.
"People roast me for under-racing but my goal is to run all the big championships," Kerr said. "I want to race at home as much as possible, that's the most important thing for me.
I'm 28 years old and I feel in the best place, physically and mentally, that I've ever been in during my career.
I've also got some pretty awesome experience behind me to continue to take some large shots at these big medals."
