British middle-distance star Josh Kerr is gearing up for a monumental challenge, aiming to shatter one of athletics' most enduring records: Hicham El Gerrouj's 27-year-old mile world record of 3:43.13. The former 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist believes all elements are aligning for his ambitious 'Project 222', which he plans to execute in front of an anticipated 60,000-strong crowd at the London Stadium during the Wanda Diamond League event.
Kerr's preparation has been nothing short of meticulous, reflecting his dedication to this lofty goal. This includes precise three-minute and 42-second ice baths, utilising an altitude room at his Albuquerque residence, and even flying his parents out to the United States for the final intense phase of his training. The athlete, known for his confidence and bold declarations, expressed his belief in his physical readiness. "My body is capable of the mark, so my job is to have my mind be available to let my body do the job," Kerr stated, acknowledging the mental fortitude required for such an endeavour.
The decision to publicly announce his world record attempt as early as March, dubbing it 'Project 222' (referencing the number of seconds needed to break the record), initially raised some eyebrows within his own team. However, Kerr, recognised not only for his athletic prowess but also his understanding of athletics' position in the broader sporting landscape, views this as a strategic move to generate interest and secure coverage. He believes that by targeting such an iconic record, particularly one with strong historical ties to British athletics through legends like Roger Bannister, Seb Coe, and Steve Ovett, he can elevate the sport's profile.
Kerr is not alone in his pursuit of global records. Fellow British Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is also eyeing Jarmila Kratochvila's even older 800m world record, set in 1983. However, Hodgkinson's season has seen some setbacks, including a British record but also defeats in Stockholm and Eugene, the latter following a training fall that left her with injured knees. "I'm definitely better than I was heading into [the] Prefontaine [Classic in Eugene], when I had a fight with a metal grate," she explained, adding that the incident has provided a new perspective on enjoying her sport.
Kerr remains undeterred by the potential for failure, asserting that he is "on the attack at all times" and confident that his rigorous preparation and underlying statistics support his ambitious claims. His open approach contrasts with a more cautious mindset, demonstrating his belief that taking risks and being vocal can inspire and draw attention to the sport.