\n<\/p>\n
What about the man behind the shades? Kerr describes himself as a driven individual “who doesn’t really have much of a filter”. He says that can sometimes get him into trouble, but he is simply being himself.<\/p>\n
“As a competitor, I just love to win. I love to win more than I hate to lose, so I like to take big swings at things,” says Kerr.<\/p>\n
“I’ll go for it every time and I’m at a point in my career where I can go out and try to win every race I’m in. That allows me freedom.”<\/p>\n
The men’s 1500m final will be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of Paris 2024 after the showdown at the Worlds ignited a rivalry between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen, whose start to the year has been disrupted by an Achilles issue.<\/p>\n
Following that encounter the pair have continued to exchange comments, with Ingebrigtsen describing Kerr as “just the next guy” and the Briton saying the Norwegian has “major weaknesses”.<\/p>\n
“The rivalry between myself and Ingebrigtsen is mostly based on our own self-confidence,” says Kerr.<\/p>\n
“I believe I am the best 1500m runner in the world. He probably believes he is too. It’s a fun balance between two personalities which probably clash a bit. <\/p>\n
“I’m all for it and I won’t shy away from some competition, so I’m excited for what’s to come.”<\/p>\n
There are interim goals that Kerr is keen to chase before 6 August.<\/p>\n
In the arena he grew up competing in, Kerr will race over 3,000m at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Saturday night as he aims to display the world-beating ability he has since honed in the US.<\/p>\n
In the absence of expected Paris rivals Ingebrigtsen and Wightman, he wants to further assert himself as the athlete to beat in this Olympic year.<\/p>\n
“I haven’t run in front of Scottish fans for a very long time and I don’t think I’ve done myself justice in front of the British crowd in a long time as well,” says Kerr, who was 12th in the Commonwealth Games final in Birmingham two years ago.<\/p>\n
“It feels like we are coming full circle from 2017, when I was knocked out in the first round [at the World Championships in London].<\/p>\n
“I am ready to show off that new-found fitness in front of the British fans and hopefully inspire the next generation a little bit.<\/p>\n
“I’m going in with a plan and I believe, if I execute, I will come away with a gold medal.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n