At the 2024 Millrose Games on Sunday, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr shattered Mo Farah’s indoor 2-mile world record, finishing at 8:00:67; Kerr smashed Farah’s previous record of 8:03:40. After that, Kerr, the reigning 1500 meters world champion from 2023, has encountered a heated rivalry with the Norwegian sensation, Jakob Ingebrigsten, since he clinched gold over him in the previous year.
Tensions rose when Jakob Ingebrigsten claimed he could have bested Josh Kerr in the 2-mile event “blindfolded.” In response, Josh Kerr geared up and threw a jab at Jakob Ingebrigsten in an interview in Athletics Weekly. Kerr’s retort adds to the fierce rivalry, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown between these two competitors.
Josh Kerr fires back over rivalry with Jakob Ingebrigsten
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This is not the first time fans have witnessed the intense rivalry between Jakob Ingebrigsten and Josh Kerr in athletics. After the Millrose Games, once again, Jakob Ingebrigsten showcased his competition to Kerr, saying on TV in Norway, “I would have beaten him in that race, blindfolded… But it’s good that people run better than they have done before.” This back-and-forth banter between Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigsten intrigues their heated conversation.
Josh Kerr talks about his brilliant world indoor 3000m win. #Glasgow2024
What would the reaction be in Norway? “I’m not sure Jakob watches BBC2,” he says. pic.twitter.com/38NSn54yPJ
— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) March 2, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In response, after the win at the World Indoor Championship 1500m, Josh Kerr simply said with a laugh, “I’m not sure Jakob watches BBC2.” With several successes, including a bronze medal in the Olympic 2020 and the 1500m World Indoor Championship, he is now all set for the Paris Olympics 2024. His utmost dedication and stellar performance have bolstered his confidence. Displaying his enthusiasm on the track and field, he decided to kick off 2024 with a solid bang and did it with the first 1500m win. He further compounded the controversial blindfold claim of Jakob Ingebrigsten by asserting that he does not compete for anyone else but himself, showcasing his refusal to take Jakob Ingebrigsten’s statement seriously.
Josh Kerr’s reply emphasized personal development
Audiences have already noticed the brewing cold war between Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigsten after Kerr upheld gold at 1500m. At that time, Jakob Ingebrigsten commented, “It is not certain that [Kerr] runs any better now than last year at the same time; he did not run two miles then.” But Kerr stated in his reply that his statement shows Jakob Ingebrigsten’s significant weaknesses in his ego.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: “Can’t Wait”: Fans React as Josh Kerr Takes Major Decision and Heads Toward Home Soil
Amidst this ongoing verbal war, Josh Kerr’s emphasis on personal growth is a defining aspect of his approach to his competition. His remarks underscore his commitment to honing his abilities and skills instead of taking others’ comments seriously.
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.