When is this rivalry between Norway’s middle-distance superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Scotland’s Olympic 1500m silver medalist Josh Kerr ever going to cool down? These two aren’t just satisfied with competing on the track—verbal jabs have become an art form. The newest chapter?

Kerr called out Jakob for skipping the brand-new Grand Slam Track league, claiming he avoided participating because watching Jakob run the 800m would be like watching “Bambi on ice.” Jakob didn’t let it slide. True to his confident style, he delivered a cutting response: “The day he contributes to running for world records, I will take him seriously.” Suffice it to say, the gloves are off, and this rivalry isn’t over.

Kerr’s ice-cold jab and Jakob’s sharp clapback

Never one to mince words, Josh Kerr went all-in during an appearance on the Citius Mag podcast. When asked about Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s absence from the Grand Slam Track League, Kerr didn’t hold back. “I think it’s smart that he hasn’t signed, to be honest; it’s a race without pacers, which he hasn’t won in the last couple of years,” Kerr said before delivering the now-infamous line: “If you put him in the 800/1500 group, watching him run the 800 would be like Bambi on ice.”

Kerr, who will compete full-time as a “racer” in the league’s short-distance events of 800m and 1500m, believes Jakob’s absence is a missed opportunity. For Kerr, the no-pacer format represents the ultimate test of tactical ability—something he believes Jakob has struggled with recently. Jakob, through his press contact, quickly fired back, showing no doubt about where he stands. “The day he contributes to running for world records, I will take him seriously,” he quipped. For a man who holds world records in the 1500m and 2000m, Jakob’s statement was as much a flex as it was a rebuttal.

This isn’t the first time the two have traded barbs. The rivalry heated up during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Kerr narrowly claimed the silver medal in the 1500m final, leaving Jakob off the podium. While Kerr celebrated, Jakob was left stewing, further fueling their competitive—and tabloid-worthy—dynamic.

 The Grand Slam Track League and the Stakes

The Grand Slam Track League, spearheaded by sprinting legend Michael Johnson, is designed to revolutionize middle-distance running. With races in Jamaica and the U.S., the league eliminates pacers, forcing athletes to rely on strategy and endurance. This puts Kerr, alongside competitors like Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse, in a prime position to shine. For Kerr, the league offers the perfect stage to prove himself. Jakob, however, has decided to sit this one out, focusing on events where he already dominates. “I’m not an 800-meter runner,” Jakob once said, dismissing the idea of competing in the short-distance category.

Still, the league has the audience buzzing. It’s an opportunity for athletes like Kerr to stand out, particularly in a format that tests tactical smarts. Jakob’s absence has only added fuel to the fire, sparking debates over whether his decision is calculated or cautious. Either way, the league is delivering on its promise to inject drama and excitement into the sport. Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr are two sides of the same coin. While Kerr thrives on bold call-outs and head-to-head battles, Jakob still remains focused on breaking records and honing his craft. Their rivalry, fueled by sharp words and thrilling races, captivates the track and field world.