JOSH KERR is one of Team GB’s brightest hopes at the Paris Olympics.
After winning the 1500 metres at the World Championships last year, he dedicated his medal to his proud parents John and Jill Kerr.
Josh Kerr was born October 8, 1997 and is a Scottish middle-distance runner who competes primarily in the 1500 metres.
He is the 2023 world champion, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist in the event.
Speaking about taking gold in the 1500 metres at Athletics World Championships, he told BBC Sport: “It’s been a long time coming. It’s quite an overwhelming experience. But I’m so proud of myself, my team and my family.
“I didn’t feel like I ran my best race either. I just threw my whole 16 years of this sport into that last 200m and didn’t let up to the end.
“It was fast early but I stayed calm. I knew I was capable of a world championship gold medal for GB so I’m very glad to add to that medal count.”
Kerr comes from a sporting background as his father John is a former professional rugby player.
During his time in the sport he played for Caledonia Reds.
Meanwhile, his mum Jill runs a successful physiotherapy practice in Morningside.
After winning gold in the 1500 metres at the Athletics World Championships, Kerr choked back the tears as he spoke about how proud he was his parents were in the stadium to watch him win.
He told BBC Sport: “This is a lot for our family and they’ve put a lot of time, effort and money in to me.
“I just couldn’t be prouder to represent the Kerr family name today.
“I gave it everything for them, myself and my fiancee. This is the life I want to lead for them.
“They’ve given me so much and it was nice to pay that back a little bit today.”
Kerr’s brother Jake is also a sportsman, and played as a hooker for the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby league.
He made one appearance for Scotland in 2019.
Born in Scotland, Kerr began running at eight years old with Edinburgh Athletics Club.
However, despite his Scottish roots he moved to America to craft his talent.
At 17, he relocated to the US to chase his athletics dream at the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque.
In 2018, he broke the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) 1500m record, before turning pro and joining the athletics club Brooks Beasts.
