Editor’s note: Josh Kerr is at the top of his game. His Olympic medals (two), his World Champs gold (three) are impressive. His world-record mile took him to another level. In this piece, I wanted to consider his decision to race the Commonwealth Games, and how it helped the sport!
Let’s be clear.
I like Josh Kerr. I first met him in 2017 and have been impressed by his demeanor, the support of his circle, and his incredible drive.
Josh Kerr was not an overnight sensation. He worked hard at a US university and with the Brooks Beasts TC. I seem to recall that Josh told me that he not only joined the Brooks Beasts TC sight unseen; he also committed to Danny Mackey without meeting the founding coach of Brooks Beasts TC in person.
Josh Kerr has a gift. Well, he has several gifts: the ability to work hard, a higher-than-normal pain threshold, the ability to inspire and encourage a team, and the ability to dominate races like few others of his generation.
I was in the Media section for Budapest 2023. I remember screaming at Josh and Jakob as they battled over the last 350 meters, with the Hungarian crowd on their feet. A most satisfying race, and a race for the ages.
In 2026, Josh Kerr won two indoor races and then was all in for the world-record mile. Social media was enthralled by Josh Kerr’s prediction of the Mile WR and then his complete delivery of the World record in front of a very British crowd.
Josh Kerr has a quiet confidence. He is confident in his team, his support crew, his training, his coaches, and his ability. He loves to race, and he also knows that big races must be prepared for over time.
His Commonwealth Games mile race was the one to lose. Josh Kerr stayed relaxed and delivered a very satisfying race at a satisfying pace, in front of his Scottish fans. Josh Kerr told the media over a year ago that he would compete in the Commonwealth Games.
Josh Kerr used his Mile WR build to add some excitement to the sport. Josh was not the only reason why the Commonwealth Games, in a more modest form, were so popular in Glasgow. Josh Kerr’s action was good for the sport, good for his brand and good for his country, all at the same time.
Josh Kerr has one more major race this season.
We will write about Josh Kerr and the Ultimate Games next week.
