Josh Kerr gives emotional speech after winning 1500m gold at World Athletics Championships
Josh Kerr has spoken out after winning 1500m gold at the World Athletics Championships
PA
Josh Kerr has admitted he was left stunned after beating Jakob Ingebrigtsen to win 1500m gold at the World Athletic Championships.
The 25-year-old trailed his rival until the final 200m before surging over the line for the biggest win of his career.
Kerr had previously won bronze at the Olympics but this was his crowning moment, with the Brit remaining patient prior to crossing the line.
And the 25-year-old gave an emotional speech following his triumph, admitting he was proud of himself for such a huge achievement.
Josh Kerr has become Britain's second gold medalist at the World Athletics Championships
PA
"It's been a long time coming," he said.
"I didn't feel like I ran the best race. I just threw my whole 16 years of this sport into that last 200m and didn't give up until the end.
"It's quite an overwhelming experience but I'm so proud of myself. I'm so proud of my team and my family that got me here."
He added: "I'd be proud of giving everything I had in that situation if that was [for] gold, silver or bronze.
"But I've had the bronze - and the gold is a lot sweeter."
"This is a lot for our family. They've put a lot of time, effort and money into me. I gave it everything for them, myself and my fiancé.
"This is the life I want to lead for them. They've given me so much and it was nice to pay that back a little bit today."
Jake Wightman knows both Kerr and Ingebrigtsen well.
The 29-year-old has been commentating for the BBC this year after injury prevented him from taking part.
And Wightman was delighted with Kerr's triumph, saying: Ingebrigtsen is going to start hating us Brits, isn't he?
"It stays in Edinburgh Athletics Club, that's the main thing! Our little club in Edinburgh has had two back-to-back world champions.
"That's hard to believe.
"Josh knew what to do. You saw when he came up on Jakob's shoulder, that was always the perfect position to be in.
"Honestly, I knew Josh could do that. That medal in Tokyo was just the start of this.
"When he gets it right and when he's running well, he absolutely flies."
And Wightman also compared Kerr to the Terminator, too.
"Josh is like the Terminator - and he looks like it with those shades," he added.
"He's just unbroken mentally. His internal confidence is crazy.
"I've always been in admiration of Josh. If I could beat Jakob last year, I had every confidence Josh could do it. I'm so, so happy for him."
Former 1500m champion Steve Cram, meanwhile, also hailed Kerr and said his increased maturity was key to his success.
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Josh Kerr will now be eyeing Olympic gold after his success at the World Athletics Championships
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"I think Josh has matured a lot in the last couple of years," said Cram.
"He had a tough year last year but this year, I love the way he's conducted himself, not just physically but also how he's prepared himself mentally.
"Jakob Ingebrigtsen must be thinking: 'I'm never going on holiday to Great Britain and Northern Ireland any more'."
With the Paris Olympics now less than a year away, Kerr has put himself in the frame to claim gold there.
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