**‘I’m not going to lose’: Kerr welcomes Ingebrigtsen clash in Budapest**
Josh Kerr, the Scottish middle-distance runner, is gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown with rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest. The competition, which runs from Friday to Sunday, marks a significant milestone in Kerr's already impressive season and offers a unique opportunity for the two athletes to reignite their rivalry after a two-year hiatus.
Kerr, who has enjoyed a remarkable year, including breaking the 27-year-old mile world record in July and winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, views this championship as a final target for his season. The chance to face Ingebrigtsen, the reigning Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters, adds an extra layer of excitement to the event. Their rivalry has been a defining feature of the men’s 1,500 meters, characterized by thrilling races and notable exchanges off the track.
Ingebrigtsen recently criticized Kerr for opting out of the European Championships, suggesting that athletes who skip major competitions undermine the sport. However, Kerr has chosen to downplay these remarks, maintaining a light-hearted demeanor during a recent video call with reporters. "I’m gonna get myself in trouble, that’s what your goal is here,” he joked, indicating that he is focused on the race ahead rather than engaging in off-track disputes.
Despite the tension, Kerr expressed enthusiasm for competing against Ingebrigtsen, acknowledging his rival's exceptional talent. “I’m very happy that he’s back running and racing. It’s great for our distance. He’s one of the best 1,500 metre runners, 5k runners of all time, and I’m excited to go out and race him,” Kerr stated confidently. “I’m not going to lose, but I’m excited to go out there and race.”
Kerr’s preparation for the Ultimate Championships has been strategic. Rather than participating in several Diamond League events in August and September, he opted for a more selective approach, focusing on peaking for this championship. This decision has drawn mixed reactions, but Kerr stands firm in his philosophy of prioritizing key competitions over a packed schedule. “This is still an individual sport,” he remarked. “Every athlete’s different in the way that they approach the season.”
Looking beyond the immediate competition, Kerr, now 28, is also contemplating his long-term future in athletics, eyeing the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “This next three years is going to be some of the biggest in my career, and I’m not short-sighted with that. I’m not going to get greedy,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with personal well-being.
The Ultimate Championships feature a record prize pot of $10 million, with each event winner set to receive $150,000. While Kerr acknowledges the financial incentives, he insists that his primary motivation lies in establishing himself as the leading 1,500-meter runner of his generation. “At the end of the day, it’s glory,” he said. “I’m here to prove that I’m continually going to be the best 1,500-metre runner of our generation at least.”
Kerr has been an advocate for improving athletes' earning potential in the sport, pointing out that the bonus for breaking a world record has remained stagnant for nearly three decades. “You go back and you watch (Hicham) El Guerrouj’s world record in 1998, and it’s the same world record bonus,” he noted, calling for a reevaluation of financial rewards in athletics.
As the Ultimate Championships approach, all eyes will be on the men’s 1,500-meter final scheduled for Sunday, where Kerr and Ingebrigtsen will finally meet again on the track. Ingebrigtsen is also set to compete in the men’s 5,000 meters on Friday, adding another layer of intrigue to the championships.
With both athletes eager to assert their dominance, the upcoming race promises to be a thrilling chapter in their ongoing rivalry, showcasing the best of middle-distance running on an international stage.