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Kerr on why Commonwealth mile glory matters to him
Josh Kerr, who last weekend smashed the men's mile world record in London, says winning Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow would fulfil a childhood dream that predates his record-breaking career. The 28-year-old Scot, now considered the leading figure in world middle-distance running, will compete in the reinstated mile event at Scotstoun Stadium on 1 August, a venue where he has raced since childhood and says he understands the wind and rain better than any rival.
Kerr describes representing Scotland as more meaningful to him than individual records, recalling watching Glasgow 2014 as a spectator, missing selection for Gold Coast 2018, and a disappointing last-place finish in the 1500m at Birmingham 2022. He trains from a base in New Mexico but returns to Scotland four or five times a year and speaks to his Edinburgh-based family daily. Compatriots Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley will also contest the Glasgow mile, though Kerr is regarded as the standout medal contender given his current form.
In short
- Josh Kerr targets Commonwealth gold in Glasgow after breaking mile world record
- Mile event returns to Scotstoun Stadium on 1 August
- Kerr calls it redemption after missing 2018 and struggling in 2022
Explained simply
The Commonwealth Games bring together athletes from countries and territories with historic links to the British Empire. Scotland competes as a separate team, and winning gold at a Games held in Glasgow can carry particular meaning for Scottish athletes.
Josh Kerr is a Scottish middle-distance runner who has competed in the 1500 metres and the mile, a slightly longer track race. He grew up racing at Glasgow’s Scotstoun Stadium; Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley are fellow Scottish runners who also compete in these events.
Kerr’s Commonwealth Games history includes watching Glasgow 2014 from the crowd, missing selection for the 2018 Games and finishing last in the 1500 metres at Birmingham in 2022. The mile’s return to the Glasgow programme gives the runners a chance to compete for Scotland in a distance closely associated with the sport’s record books.
Geopolitics Politics Sport UK World