Josh Kerr can’t wait for showdown with rival at Paris 2024
Check out 'Path to Paris: The Hunt for Gold' on Channel 4 catch-up to see how top National Lottery- funded stars, like Josh, prep for the Olympics.
Having clinched the 1500m world title in Budapest in 2023 and won the 3000m world title in Glasgow in March 2024, Josh feels he’s in great shape to take on Jakob when the world’s greatest sporting event arrives in the French capital. The clash, which promises to be one of the highlights of Paris 2024, will see the arch rivals going head-to-head in the 1500m event. Adding spice to the encounter is the fact Josh has described Jakob as having “major weaknesses”, while the Norwegian has told journalists he could beat his Scottish rival “blindfolded”.
Josh said, “I just hope he’s [Jakob] ready to go. I hope that when we cross that finish line in August, that everyone can shake each other’s hand and be like, ‘whoever wins is good, they’re the best’.
“My job is to go out and win a gold medal and I think I will.”
The hard work athletes like Josh are putting in to perform at their best in Paris has been captured by two fly-on-the-wall documentaries screened on Channel 4 in partnership with The National Lottery.
A total of nine athletes – including two-time Paralympic gold medallist Jonnie Peacock and Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson – allowed fans a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to succeed at the very highest level of sport. Episode one follows four athletes dreaming of becoming Olympic champions and is available to watch now on Channel 4 catch-up. The second documentary, 'Path to Paris: Paralympic Dreams' – which shines a spotlight on five outstanding Paralympians – was also shown on Channel 4 and is now available on Channel 4 catch-up.
Viewers will be shown how National Lottery funding helps our top athletes get access to the best coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists as well as state-of-the-art training facilities. By playing The National Lottery you also help cover travel and living expenses, allowing our sporting heroes to put their entire focus on winning a medal. When it comes to elite athletes, your ticket is their ticket to Paris.
Josh makes it clear National Lottery support plays a vital role in his quest to be the best. He said, “Being part of Team GB provides us with the necessary support in preparing for upcoming championships. With logistics and treatments funded by The National Lottery, the Great Britain & Northern Ireland Team is ensured to be the best-prepared team in the world.”
As the clock ticks down to Paris 2024, Josh reckons his successes in Budapest and Glasgow mean he will be in particularly “dangerous” form when the starting pistol fires. The 26-year-old said, “I’ve kind of done what I was supposed to do and become world champion. Now we’re just having fun with it and that’s when I get really dangerous; when there aren’t really any more expectations, it’s just swinging for the fences.
“If there’s a 99 percent chance of bronze and a 1 percent chance of gold at the Olympics, we’re going to swing for the fences and get that gold medal.”
Josh’s competitive streak was honed early by a rivalry with his brother Jake, a Scottish rugby international. Since discovering his ability as a runner, his desire to win has only become stronger.
He said, “I’m just a competitive individual and I have high standards for myself. I have a very good understanding of our sport and I love the sacrifices it takes. I love the lifestyle it brings, I love running every day and I love doing those little things that I don’t think anyone else does.”
Originally published 15th July 2024. Updated 28th August 2024.
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