Josh Kerr: Scot ‘very confident’ for World Championships 1500m defence

Kerr will have two other Scottish global medallists for company in Japan.

Neil Gourley took world indoor silver in Nanjing earlier this year, while Jake Wightman paved the way to Kerr’s gold medal by beating Ingebrigtsen to the top of the podium the year before in Eugene.

Back-to-back world 1500m champions from Scotland is an achievement that still makes Kerr smile.

“It is underappreciated but that’s the world of sport, everyone moves on really quickly,” he said.

“I do think Scotland appreciates us. So our goal for the next few years is to continue to share the story, continue to share every part of what we do to get ready for these championships so that we can grow the next crop of athletes.

“For any athlete that comes through the club system in Scotland, we’ve shown you can reach these levels. There’s nothing stopping you from being the best in the world. We need to be that resource for them.

“It’s an awesome era to be in and I couldn’t be surrounded by better guys. I’m sure we’ll have some great battles and if I’m not the one winning, then I bloody hope that one of those two is.

“I think the Brits can have multiple medals. I mean, if you’re not going to tune in for the final on Wednesday, I don’t know what you’re doing.”

The race will also be the latest chapter in the Josh versus Jakob rammy, an intense rivalry that shows no sign of easing off.

“No, we don’t get along,” Kerr confirmed. “Then again, I’m not here to have lots of friends from different places. I’m here to bring medals back to the UK, back to Scotland.

“There’s obviously a level of respect we all have for each other because I know how hard I work. If you’re going to beat me, or if you’re going to be on my level, then I have respect for the work you do. So my GB and Scottish team-mates, they’ll be the ones I’ll be chatting with, but that’s about it really.”