Josh Kerr Breaks Historic Mile World Record
Team GB star Josh Kerr has shattered the 27-year-old world record for the mile at the London Diamond League, clocking an astonishing three minutes and 42.66 seconds. The 28-year-old middle-distance runner, who primarily competes in the 1,500 metres, achieved the feat in front of a sold-out home crowd at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Kerr's time took nearly half a second off the legendary mark set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco, who had held the record at 3:43.13 since 1999. With this run, Kerr successfully fulfilled his highly publicised season-long campaign, dubbed 'Project 222,' named after the 222 seconds he targeted to run a 3:42 mile.
Dominant Performance and Emotional Reaction
Kerr finished more than three seconds ahead of US athlete Yared Nuguse, whose time was 3:45.69. Reflecting on the race, Kerr told the BBC: 'It was just incredible, that last lap. It was just me, my shoes and the track. I was absolutely deaf in the last 110 metres.' He added: 'I didn't take my foot off the gas, but I started to glide and I was like "oh wow this feels incredible." It's incredible because I'm slowing down. So, I was like "I better get to the line." So, crossing the finish line, seeing 42-something - anything - was my goal, so it was great.'
Despite breaking a world record, Kerr admitted he had hoped for a slightly faster time. 'It was very overwhelming; there was a lot of hype,' he said. 'I am surrounded by amazing people and was just able to stay consistent, put the work in, and I knew I had 3:42 in me. I nearly lost it there at the end, but I got over the line.'
Project 222 and British Legacy
Kerr's previous best before Saturday's run was 3:45.34. He announced his world record attempt in March, stating: 'For me, this wasn't an idea to hopefully save athletics but it is definitely a situation where "why not?" Why not go after something like this in front of as many people as possible? It's been a really fun journey and I like challenging myself. I like goals that are lofty and I think this sport needs moments, and I was willing to give it.'
The runner earned a cheque for $50,000 (£37,000) for his victory. Thanks to Kerr, the mile record is back in British hands for the first time since Roger Bannister became the first person to run under four minutes in 1954. Kerr added: 'If I'm to leave my mark on this sport as a British legend, with the legends behind me and following in their footsteps, I have to put in those performances.'
