Josh Kerr cautions Jakob Ingebrigtsen, saying “I only hope he is prepared.”

Josh Kerr is not trying to diminish his competition with Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Instead, he is eager to intensify their rivalry and fuel the tension leading up to the Paris 2024 event.

Reworded: The 1500m competition between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen is expected to be a major storyline at the Olympic Games. Currently, the advantage goes to Kerr, as he defeated his Norwegian rival to win gold at the World Athletics Championships last summer.

That’s only part of the story. Kerr described the Norwegian as having “major weaknesses” and “surrounding himself with yes men” in a podcast last year. After he won the world title last August, Ingebrigtsen called the Scot “just the next guy.”

Kerr expresses his wish for both himself and his opponent to be prepared for their potential rematch in Paris. He hopes that when they reach the finish line in August, they can cordially congratulate each other and acknowledge the winner as the best.

I am determined to win a gold medal in my job, and I believe I will achieve it. When I do, I hope my competitors will acknowledge that I performed better than them today.

Unfortunately, due to an Achilles injury, Ingebrigtsen will not be able to compete at the World Indoors in Glasgow in March, depriving the public of a potential early preview of the Olympic showdown.

Kerr has not skipped a day of winter training, but he will have a limited indoor season ahead. The 28-year-old is still uncertain about participating in competitions in his home country.

Kerr, who aims to break the two-mile world record at the upcoming Millrose Games in New York City on February 11, shares that he has not had the opportunity to compete a lot in Scotland since he improved his skills.

“I initially began competing at Scotstoun and Kelvinhall, and it holds great significance for me. The audience is highly informed and passionate about the sport, and they deserve to have their top runners represent them. However, the timing is unfortunate. The main motivation for me to wake up in the morning is the Olympic Games, and I will not take any risks that could jeopardize that opportunity.”

I am not someone who has participated in many races, especially indoor races. In the end, the coach (Danny Mackey) will make the decision without any emotional influence.

Kerr trusts the coach Danny Mackey, also known as ‘gaffer’, and the Seattle team that helped him achieve success in Budapest last year.

Their training results in an impressive level of endurance, demonstrated by the ability to outrun Ingebrigtsen in the final stretch and complete a 61.51 half marathon.

Furthermore, there is a commitment to utilizing a full-on aggressive strategy in order to secure Olympic gold in Paris.

Kerr, one of the 1,000 elite athletes on UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, receives full-time training, access to top coaches, and advanced medical support – all crucial for his journey to the Paris 2024 Games. He admits that his drive may come from ego or money, but he is unsure.

I have fulfilled my responsibilities and achieved the title of world champion. Now, I am simply enjoying the process and that is when I am at my most unpredictable and dangerous. When there are no longer any expectations, I am able to take bigger risks.

During the Olympics, even if we have a 99% chance of winning bronze and only a 1% chance of winning gold, we will still aim for the gold medal with all our effort.

Kerr did not excel academically at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, but his competitive nature was shaped by his rivalry with his brother Jake, who is a Scottish rugby player.

This environment was the perfect breeding ground for a love affair with sports and the harsh reality of time management.

“I am a highly competitive person and I hold myself to high standards,” states Kerr. “I discovered this sport and quickly excelled at it. I have always had a natural talent for it.”

“When multiple individuals possess exceptional skills in the same area, there is often a sense of ego involved. It can lead to a belief that one is superior to others.”

I possess a thorough comprehension of our sport and I greatly appreciate the dedication it requires. The lifestyle it offers is something I cherish, as well as the daily routine of running and the small details that I don’t believe others appreciate.

“I have developed a deep passion for this sport over the years and I do not expect any handouts. I will work hard to earn everything it has to offer me.”

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Source: independent.co.uk