‘I thought I was untouchable and would never lose again – but sport is brutal’

Josh Kerr thought he was “untouchable”. And why not?

World outdoor 1500m gold in Budapest 2023, after Olympic bronze two years before. World indoor gold over 3,000m in Glasgow in 2024.

The Paris Olympics was supposed to be his next glory. But, despite running a British record in the 1500m final, he was left with silver.

Then came the world championship last year. Kerr’s chance to re-establish himself as the top boy in the 1500m by retaining his title.

Instead, his calf popped in the final and he dragged himself across the line in last place. The pain was both literal and emotional.

“When you win an outdoor title and back it up with an indoor title at home, it’s almost like saying ‘I’m untouchable and I’m never going to lose again’,” he told BBC Sport after retaining his 3,000m crown.

“But sport is brutal and Tokyo reminded me that athletics doesn’t owe me anything, regardless of how hard I work and the sacrifices I make.

“Winning gold at a major championships is maybe something I took for granted for a little bit, so this one was really special.

One moment that is very much in his sights is this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July to 2 August) – an event he describes as a “massive priority” in a spell that also includes the European Championships and the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship.

Kerr’s travails at the worlds prevented him being pre-selected to represent Scotland in the mile alongside Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley, but his place is likely to be confirmed soon.

At the age of 28, and off the back of that calf injury, he acknowledges that the schedule is gruelling, but it is one he is ready to embrace.

“People roast me for under-racing but my goal is to run all the big championships,” Kerr said. “I want to race at home as much as possible, that’s the most important thing for me.

“I’m 28 years old and I feel in the best place, physically and mentally, that I’ve ever been in during my career.