Josh Kerr, the newly crowned mile world record holder, is set to compete in the Commonwealth Games, with a gold medal being a primary objective for the Scottish athlete.
Kerr shattered Hicham El Guerrouj's 27-year-old mile record with a time of 3:42.66 just weeks ago. This achievement was part of his "Project 222," a personal endeavor he openly shared, underscoring his confidence.
While the 2023 world champion aims to become the greatest middle-distance runner of all time, with an Olympic gold medal in two years as a long-term goal, his immediate focus is on securing a Commonwealth Games medal. He missed the 2014 and 2018 games and finished last in the 1500m in 2022.
Kerr has been a prominent figure in the return of the mile to the Commonwealth Games after a 60-year absence. His race is one of the most anticipated events of the competition.
However, Kerr faces strong competition. Fellow Scot Jake Wightman, a former world champion and bronze medalist at the last two Commonwealth Games, is also a contender. Wightman has overcome injuries to secure silver at last year's world championships.
Other notable international competitors include Australia's 20-year-old phenom, Cam Myers, who has impressed with Diamond League wins. Kenya's Timothy Cheruiyot, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist, and Australia's Olli Hoare, the 2022 Commonwealth 1500m champion, are also in the mix. British interest also extends to Wales' Jake Heyward and England's Thomas Keen.
The women's Commonwealth Mile final will also take place, featuring Scottish runners Jemma Reekie and Sarah Calvert. Australia's Jessica Hull and Claudia Hollingsworth are considered favorites in the women's event.