Kerr reveals grade two calf tear in world final

Josh Kerr has confirmed that he suffered a grade two calf tear earlier this month in the 1500-meter World Championship final.

The Olympic silver medalist and 2023 world champion had been anticipated to be in the medal race, but he abruptly missed out on the final lap, with fellow Scot Jake Wightman finishing behind Isaac Nader, who had already won.

Kerr, 27, revealed that the problem began as a “minor strain” following a “overstretch” toward the end of his semi-final.

He continued, “Grade two is what I’m being told.”

You never know what might happen in these races, but I definitely did some more harm to that in those final 600 than right away. My goal is to get to the finish line as quickly as possible.

The journey back will be interesting, and it will be frustrating.

“I’m on my way back and getting better already. For 2026, we are definitely feeling the fire.

Kerr also shared videos of him working in the pool and images of his calf that were injured.

He explained that he had kept a low profile ever since the final to “process” the injury and to “keep the focus where the focus should be: on the winners and the medals of that race, not the sob stories.”

“Sorry, Jake, but what a great result for him, and it’s awesome to see him back on the podium,” Kerr said.