Kerr targets historic mile record
Josh Kerr has declared he is in the best shape of his life and "not scared of failure" as he prepares to challenge Hicham El Guerrouj's long-standing one-mile world record at the London Diamond League on Saturday. The 28-year-old Scot, a former 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, aims to surpass the Moroccan's mark of 3 minutes 43.13 seconds, set in 1999. An entire generation of athletics fans have never seen the record broken.
Confidence and preparation
Kerr, known for his straight-talking style, is unfazed by the magnitude of the task. "I'm not a bettor, but it's in my favour for sure," he said. "My body is capable of the mark, so my job tomorrow is to have my mind available to let my body do its job. I'm very excited." He added that he has believed in himself for a long time and has not missed a day of training. "What you will see out there tomorrow is all of me."
The attempt, dubbed "Project 222" by Kerr and his sponsor Brooks—referring to the target time in seconds—has been planned since March. Brooks created custom spikes and an aerodynamic race kit for the occasion. Kerr has documented his training on YouTube, including writing daily affirmations and using ice baths timed to 3 minutes 42 seconds. He has built his entire season around this single race, saying, "We are in a sport where we have to earn our media and earn our right to be on mainstream television. To do that, we have to give moments."
Competition from Nuguse
The presence of American Yared Nuguse, the fourth-fastest miler in history, adds intrigue. Kerr sits sixth on the all-time list, more than a second behind Nuguse. Kerr welcomed the challenge: "I think if people get it right, multiple people can break the world record. I wanted it to be a race, I opened it up and Yared fancied it." Kerr emphasised his fearless approach: "As an athlete, I'm not scared of failing. It's not something that I was born with. I'm on the attack at all times."
Hodgkinson's focus on winning
Meanwhile, Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m champion, has ruled out a world record attempt after a difficult month. She withdrew from the UK championships with muscle tightness and suffered a freak knee injury when tripping over a metal grate, which "took chunks out" of her flesh. At the Eugene Diamond League two weeks ago, she finished second. Hodgkinson said her priority is winning in London against a field including Dutchwoman Femke Broeders-Bol. "I'm not putting any pressure on myself to chase times," she said. "I know what I'm capable of and it's going to be there when I need it. For me, it's winning and being back on top."
