Selfies, signatures & social media – how Kerr embraced Glasgow Games
Josh Kerr embraced his home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, taking time to pose for selfies, sign autographs and share the experience widely on social media after winning mile gold. The Scottish athlete, who set a mile world record of three minutes 42.66 seconds in London last month, said he wanted to inspire the young athletes and fans who came to watch him, believing anyone growing up in Scotland has the potential to become one of the sport's best.
Kerr, 28, ran the mile in Glasgow just over 11 seconds slower than his world record but still delighted crowds at Scotstoun, a track where he used to compete as a child. His medal ceremony was an emotional occasion, with the Edinburgh-born runner struggling to hold back tears as Flower of Scotland played, surrounded by family, his first coach and childhood training partners. He described the week as thoroughly enjoyable, reconnecting with old friends and the city where he grew up dreaming of emulating athletes he saw compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- Josh Kerr won Commonwealth Games mile gold in home city Glasgow
- Engaged fans with selfies, autographs and social media throughout the week
- Emotional podium moment recalled his own childhood inspiration at Glasgow 2014
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The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event for athletes from countries and territories linked to the Commonwealth. Glasgow hosted the Games in 2014 and again in this story, giving Scottish athletes a chance to compete before a home crowd.
Josh Kerr is a Scottish middle-distance runner from Edinburgh who competes in the mile, a race of 1,609 metres. The mile is a long-standing track event, and Kerr had recently set a world record, making him one of the leading runners in the discipline.
For Kerr, Glasgow had personal significance: he had competed at Scotstoun as a child and watched athletes at the 2014 Games while growing up. His experience also reflects how major sporting events can connect elite competition with local communities and younger fans.