Josh Kerr believes his new men’s mile world record may not be the final word. The Scottish runner, 28, told BBC Breakfast that while breaking the mark was an “awesome achievement,” he thinks he could lower it again under the right conditions.
Kerr clocked three minutes 42.66 seconds to surpass Moroccan great Hicham El Guerrouj’s 1999 record. In doing so, he became the seventh British athlete to hold the mile world record and the first from Britain to do it since Steve Cram in 1985. His previous best in the event had been the British record of 3:45.34.
He said the mile had been his main target this year and described the timing as ideal for a serious attempt. Kerr also pointed to Britain’s long tradition in the event, referencing figures such as Roger Bannister, Sebastian Coe, Cram and Steve Ovett, and said he wanted to bring the record back to the UK.
The record was set in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,000 at London Stadium during the city’s Diamond League meeting. Kerr said choosing to chase the mark in the UK was deliberate, with the hope of inspiring younger athletes, coaches and parents in the stands. He added that he would like the record to stay with him for a while, but suggested that if his fitness remains high, another attempt to improve it could be on the cards.
Source: bbc.co.uk
