Josh Kerr concluded a remarkable season by becoming the first British athlete to win an Ultimate Championship title, taking the men’s 1500m event with a powerful display in Budapest.
The 28-year-old claimed the top prize of $150,000 as he swept past American rival Yared Nuguse on the back straight and held off challenges to finish in 3 minutes 29.35 seconds.
Kerr’s victory marks the culmination of a stellar year that included reclaiming the world indoor 3,000m title earlier in the season, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and breaking the 27-year-old mile world record at the London Diamond League.
Although he did not qualify through standard criteria, the 2023 world champion received an exceptional invitation from World Athletics alongside fellow rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen. The Norwegian, however, withdrew from the 1,500m after competing in the 5,000m on Friday.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Kerr reflected on his selective racing schedule. “I am a major championship guy and I will always be that,” he said. “From seven weeks ago in London, I went home, I chopped wood and carried water and I was ready to go again.”
Kerr acknowledged the criticism he faces for racing less frequently than some peers, referencing comments made by Ingebrigtsen regarding his absence from the European Championships in Birmingham. He maintained that his approach allows him to peak at the right moments.
“Obviously I get a lot of stick for not racing so much,” Kerr explained. “But it allows me to come here fresh and ready to go.”
The inaugural Ultimate Championship features a total prize fund of $10m, the largest in the sport’s history. World Athletics president Lord Coe has expressed hope that the innovative event will play a significant role in the future development of athletics.
Just 12 months after a calf injury ended his world title defense in Tokyo, Kerr arrived in Budapest in what he described as the best shape of his life. With two World Championships and an Olympic Games on the horizon, the Scot is now focused on cementing his legacy among the all-time greats.
Selective racing pays off, but did he really need to win this to prove his peak form?
First Brit to win an Ultimate Championship title? Huge moment for UK athletics, honestly.