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.