But Josh Kerr has already visualised himself on the track at the Stade de France, revelling in the noise and expectations as he lines up in his distinctive shades. In fact he even has down how the three minutes and 28 seconds of the climax will then pan out, culminating in what he hopes will be an Olympic gold medal.
“I’ve already written out my tactics and I know what I am doing in Paris,” says Kerr. “It’s one of those things for me: I am very good at that one day, and peaking at the right time. A lot of that is race analysis, and going through the different emotions of what may or might not happen. But I know what I will be doing that day.”
Cocky? Hardly. In a world where many athletes rarely stray beyond bland platitudes and talk of executing races, the 26-year-old Scot is determined to be authentic and interesting. So when talk turns to his great rival, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who he beat to gold in a world championship thriller in Budapest last year, Kerr doesn’t pull his punches.
Asked about his recent comments about the Norwegian having a “high ego” and being surrounded by “yes men” – which went viral on the popular running site Let’s Run – Kerr makes clear that there is respect and antipathy.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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