Middle-distance runners Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen will compete in an exciting race in the 1500m Olympic final on August 6 in Paris.
Whoever wants it more and is prepared to dig deeper than before will most likely prevail.
The defending champion, Kerr, is sure that he is physically and emotionally prepared to compete for the gold medal and that he can triumph in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.
Last summer, in Budapest, Kerr won the world title by easily defeating Ingebrigtsen. This was the beginning of their rivalry. Kerr and his buddy Jake Wightman nearly replicated their achievement from 2022, when they defeated Ingebrigtsen in the previous world championships in Oregon. Despite Ingebrigtsen attributing his loss to sickness, he recovered sufficiently to claim first place in the 5000m event four days later.
Kerr accused the Norwegian of disrespect, while Ingebrigtsen called the Brit “just the next guy.”
Since then, the two have continued their verbal sparring. According to Kerr, they’re both in a position where they believe they’re the best in the world. This, he says, will lead to exciting races, and if things continue going his way, some fans of his rival will be very irritated.
Tracking the rivalry and monitoring Kerr’s preparations for the Paris Games have become entertainment in itself. Having races that people want to watch and fostering these rivalries are things Kerr nurtures and is really looking forward to.
While Kerr is busy calculating his path to gold, it appears prudent that he is having experienced wedding planners handle the arrangements for his upcoming nuptials to American girlfriend Larimar later this year.
However, the little issue of Paris and something called the Olympics must be addressed first.
Kerr has three and a half circuits to demonstrate his dominance once more.