Team GB's Josh Kerr on his silver medal in the most hyped race of the Olympics

Before the starter's gun went on the 1,500m, all the talk was of the rivalry and war of words between Josh Kerr and the Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Ingebrigtsen had reckoned he could beat his rival while "blindfolded".

Kerr said his rivals had "flaws" - both on the track, and off it.

In the end, the two of them were both so obsessed with beating each other, they didn't notice there was another rival to take care of.

American Cole Hocker sneaked in on the final stretch, relegating Kerr to second place and knocking Ingebrigtsen off the podium.

Kerr told Sky News his legs went in the final few metres but he was happy with silver.

#olympics2024 #athletics

[yovirg]

The disappointment in his voice is palpable, the class in his words is undeniable.

[ajbahus]

Kerr can't be that upset with a PB, a National Record, a silver medal, and finishing ahead of Jakob for the third straight race. But Cole wasn't going to be denied. When Jakob halted his momentum, it looked like Cole's chances for gold were gone but he somehow found the strength in his legs to reaccelerate once he had his opening.

[stevemt]

It is an honor just to compete in the Olympics. Taking the highroad with Kerr giving such a very positive interview is excellent.

[patrickfitzgerald]

Old American dude here. In general, the athletes from the UK come across in interviews as intelligent, thoughtful and genuinely decent human beings. Josh Kerr certainly does so here. I hope that's the in-person reality as well. Well done.

[hanybadawi]

This man will be a tremendous coach in the future. 100%!!

[HQBergeron]

Congratulations to Kerr on being part of one of the most exciting and quality races I’ve ever seen. I follow Track & Field, as I grew up, went to UO, and live in Eugene area, so I’ve seen many good ones at all levels. I could not have been happier that Cole Hocker won it in spectacular fashion. Go Ducks!

[StewNWT]

I think Josh looked amused after Cole pulled ahead
He has a great attitude, and I’m glad he acknowledges. He nearly got nipped for second at the line. It’s clear that he’s happy he beat Jacob though

[chadadams]

Kerr’s ego is huge but very humble as well! Mad respect! Go 🇺🇸👍

[igloozoo]

The Rivalry between Josh and Jakob really brought a lot of much needed hype to this race and I never felt the trash talk went over the line. It was expected among competitive athletes. I love it when Track athletes speak their minds. Not sure why so many people try to bring outspoken track athletes down.

[temp]

As an Aussie, I honestly don't care who wins. I just love great racing. For me it's about the sport not who wins, so I enjoy every race.

[warrennelson]

As an American I was stoked with Cole’s exciting win. That said Kerr has handled himself beautifully. With grace and excellent sportsmanship.

[mungodegrijalva]

Congratulations on Silver & for staying hungry to improve & continue seeking your personal best & eventually the gold. It was an exciting race, raised my heart beat, had me yelling for Cole -- gutsy performance by all the "sprinters".

[rickstokes]

One of the best races I’ve had the pleasure of watching.

[markcourtad]

Integrity. Great perspective and great athlete.

[ahernandez]

I love and respect Josh Kerr. Have followed him since college at New Mexico. His initiation of a rivalry with Jakob has been great for the sport and the 1500 in particular. This was a very honest and diplomatic interview. He even acknowledged that he could have easily ended up with bronze. To make the 1500 the marquee event of the next world championships, two things must happen; Hocker, Nuguse and Kessler must be acknowledged as perennial gold medal threats and Jakob needs to turn this loss into fire and correct his negative attitude.

[anilmitra]

As an American, of course I was rooting for Hocker and Nuguse. However, Kerr and Ingebritsen are great. Feel bad for Ingebritsen. Kerr seems to be a decent, down to earth 'chap'. And, yes, the 1, 500 is exciting -- not so short that it's over in the blink of an eye, but not so long that we're taking a loo break in the middle.

[whitebird]

It's cool to hear an articulate athlete speak. Don't know how Hocker pulled that off. He made two stabs to sprint on the outside and inside that seemed to fail and then found the inside track and put the pedal to the metal. Best final kick I have seen in a while.

[bt-rlmh]

A class act this fellow is, and what a pleasure of humility

[spunout]

That was just an epic 1500 race. One for the ages.

[willv]

00:15 Translation on how it feels to get silver: "it feels very satisfying to have finished ahead of Ingebrigtsen" FTFY