Over the last year, the track and field community has been buzzing about the much-anticipated clash between Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. On Sunday, Kerr sounded like a promoter in his prime when he was asked about what fans should expect when the reigning world and Olympic champion face off in Paris on Tuesday night.
“They should brace themselves for one of the most intense and competitive 1500 meters this sport has witnessed in a long time,” Kerr stated. “I’m prepared to give it my all. I think we all are. There’s been plenty of chatter over the past 12 months and even stretching back two years. I plan to settle that on Tuesday and deliver my best performance. I’ll demonstrate that in the final.”
Due to the unique nature of the 1500m semi-final draw, both athletes raced in the same heat on Sunday. Ingebrigtsen surged ahead after 400m with Kerr right on his heels. However, during the final 20 meters, they locked eyes, with Ingebrigtsen clinching the win at 3min 32.38sec, just 0.08sec ahead of Kerr. Now, Kerr asserts he’s ready. “I’ve envisioned this moment my entire life,” he remarked.
In contrast, Keely Hodgkinson effortlessly advanced to the Olympic 800m final, reinforcing her status as a favorite for gold on Monday evening. The 22-year-old from Wigan led the race convincingly, finishing in 1min 56.86sec. There are rumors within her camp that she’s capable of hitting high 1:53s. If true, no one will stand in her way in Paris.
After the race, she expressed a mix of nerves and confidence regarding what lies ahead. “I’ve thought about it every day for the past year,” she shared. “I’ve been anxious throughout. I felt it during the heats, I felt it tonight. Tomorrow will be the most enjoyable. There’s no pressure. I’ve already accomplished my goal. I’ll give it my all, and whatever happens, happens.”
Sadly, the 17-year-old Phoebe Gill and Jemma Reekie won’t be competing in the Olympic final, finishing fourth and fifth in their semi-finals, respectively. Gill had an impressive season, finishing in 1:58.47 behind Kenya’s world champion Mary Moraa, who won with a time of 1:57.86.
Reekie seemed poised for a strong finish in her semi-final, holding second place off the final turn before fading to fifth behind Tsige Duguma, who won in 1:57.47.
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Earlier, Matt Hudson-Smith secured his spot in the 400m semi-finals by winning his heat in a time of 44.78, while Charlie Dobson also expressed satisfaction after advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 44.96.
