Josh Kerr sets new mile world record at London Diamond League
Josh Kerr has established a new world record for the fastest mile time, achieving 3:42.66 at the Diamond League meet in London. This performance surpasses the previous record of 3:43.13, which was held by Hicham El Guerrouj since 1999.
The British athlete’s achievement at the London Stadium broke a mark that had stood for 27 years. Kerr, a five-time global medalist, improved upon El Guerrouj’s time by nearly half a second. He becomes the seventh British athlete to hold the mile record, the first since Steve Cram in 1985.
Project 222 and Preparation
Kerr’s record-breaking run was the culmination of an eight-month preparation period, which he named “Project 222.” This title referred to the exact number of seconds he aimed to achieve for the new world record. He had announced his intention to target the world record in London four months prior to the event.
His preparations included a 1,200m time trial, where he clocked 2:42.45. This suggested he was in shape to achieve his goal, leaving him over a minute to cover the remaining 400m. The time trial was conducted in Albuquerque, over 5,000 feet above sea level, which would typically have limiting effects that were not present on home soil.
Kerr was supported by his sponsor, Brooks, which provided specialized equipment for the attempt. This included a bespoke speed suit and racing spikes, tailored to his unique biomechanics and gait. The speed suit was designed to enhance aerodynamics and breathability, featuring laser-cut perforations to release heat and humidity while improving mobility.
The spikes were crafted to maximize his biomechanics, incorporating a carbon plate, an aggressive rocker for propulsion, and titanium pins to keep the shoe lightweight. These custom-designed items were part of the extensive behind-the-scenes work that contributed to his performance.
The Race and Its Significance
Kerr, who is 28 years old, was assisted by two pacemakers during the race. They guided him through the initial stages, with both departing by the 1,000m mark. He maintained a consistent pace, passing the 1500m mark faster than his British record for that distance.
The crowd of 60,000 at London Stadium cheered him on as he pressed towards the finish line. His confidence was evident before the race, stating that his body was capable of the mark and his mind needed to allow it to perform. After crossing the finish line, Kerr raised his arms in celebration, visibly emotional.
Before this event, Kerr held a personal best of 3:45.34 in the mile, which was the sixth-fastest time in history. He is also known for his success in the 1500m event, a more traditional distance in athletics. He secured a silver medal in the 1500m in 2024 and a bronze in 2020. In 2023, he won a gold medal in the 1500m at the World Championships in Budapest.
The mile distance, approximately 1609m, is rarely contested on major international stages such as the Olympics due to its unique length. Kerr’s new record beats his previous personal best by nearly three seconds.
Kerr’s coach, Danny Mackey, confirmed that the athlete had focused on this world record goal since recovering from a calf injury that impacted his performance at the World Championships in Tokyo last September. Kerr’s consistent work and the support of his team were crucial in achieving this historic performance.
He maintained his pace through the final 100m splits, clocking 13.7 seconds for each of the last three, further solidifying his belief that he could surpass El Guerrouj’s long-standing record of 3:43.13.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
