Josh Kerr, the Scottish middle-distance star, has declared that the "time is now" for a British athlete to shatter the iconic mile world record, a landmark that has stood for over two decades. With his sights set on July's London Diamond League event, Kerr is poised to chase history on home soil, drawing inspiration from legends like Roger Bannister.
A Legacy to Uphold
Kerr speaks with palpable reverence about Bannister's historic 1954 run, which broke the four-minute mile barrier on an Oxford cinder track. "That's what I live for," he says, describing the moment as one that still gives him chills. He aims to follow in those footsteps, viewing the mile as a quintessentially British distance that deserves to have its record "brought home."
The Challenge Ahead
The current world record of 3 minutes 43.13 seconds was set by Morocco's Hicham El-Guerrouj in 1999. Kerr's personal best is just over two seconds slower, but he believes that with meticulous preparation, the support of 60,000 fans at the London Stadium, and a new shoe from his sponsor Brooks, he can close that gap. "I've been in shape to run the record multiple times over the last couple of years," Kerr asserts, highlighting targeted training sessions and key performance indicators.
Building Towards Greatness
Kerr's confidence is bolstered by his recent form, including winning the world indoor 3,000m title for a second time last weekend. As a world 1500m champion and Olympic medalist, he has the pedigree to mount a serious challenge. His training focuses on maintaining a pace of 55 to 56 seconds per lap, building muscle memory through rigorous drills. "The whole season is towards this," he explains, noting that mental preparation has been underway for months.
A Team Effort
Behind Kerr stands a formidable 16-strong entourage, meticulously assembled to optimize his performance. Led by coach Danny Mackey, the team includes assistant coach Julian Florez, Kerr's wife Larimar Rodriguez who assists across various roles, and specialists such as a nutritionist, strength coaches, a mental coach, and even a full-time chef. "Danny's the mastermind behind everything," Kerr says, emphasizing the collective effort required for such an ambitious goal.
Race Dynamics and Rivalries
While Kerr has pacemakers "signed, sealed and delivered," he insists the event will be a proper Diamond League race, not a time trial. He remains open to competition, though hints at some restrictions, possibly keeping rivals like Olympic champion Cole Hocker at bay. "I'm not scared to race people," Kerr states, but believes the focus should be on creating memorable moments for the sport rather than fostering rivalries.
The Final Push
Kerr acknowledges the financial investment in his team but sees it as essential for achieving peak physical and mental condition. With four months of hard training ahead, he is convinced that the stars are aligning for a record-breaking attempt. "This record is one of the most important we have in track and field," he reflects. After numerous discussions with his coaches about timing, the consensus is clear: "The time is now. It's time for that record to be renewed."
