– I will always say what I mean. And I’m not going to let anyone derail my career. But I’m not going to answer with words, I’m going to answer with results, says Kerr to The Times.
It was during the WC in Budapest last year that Kerr drew the longest straw during the final in 1500 metres. In advance, Ingebrigtsen had complained of a dry throat and a body that did not function at its maximum.
Since then, he and Kerr have been at war of words.
This is the public war of words between Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen
The war of words began after the WC finals in Budapest. When Jakob had won gold in the 5000 metres, he had already won silver in the 1500 meters – behind Josh Kerr.
Then Jakob was asked about revenge against Kerr. This quote has stuck with him:
– No, he was just the next guy. If I hadn’t run the final, he probably would have won. That’s how I see the race. Obviously, if you trip and fall, someone is going to win the race, and he was just the next guy, Ingebrigtsen said after the 5,000-meter race.
Kerr caught wind of the statements and went hard.
– He can be disrespectful towards me. It’s going well, but I’m the one who has the WC gold and I’m the one who’s going to be world champion for the next two years regardless of his comments.
Since then, the war of words has only continued. It got new life when Ingebrigtsen told TV 2 that he could beat Kerr blindfolded after the Brit had broken a record.
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This week, Ingebrigtsen took the leaf out of his mouth again in the Ignite podcast from the European Athletics Federation. There he talked about the relationship with his rivals.
– I have some friends, but some of them are not friends. That’s the way it is. Athletics is for everyone. Some are good people and some are bad. It is not a place where everyone is best friends, said Ingebrigtsen – and continued:
– It’s about winning. Some are assholes and idiots. In the end, it’s about myself and the sport, and trying to be as good as I can be. I think I am friends with those who share the same thoughts as me, and then there are some who do not.
Photo: Bjørn S. Delebekk / VG
Photo: Bjørn S. Delebekk / VG
Photo: Bjørn S. Delebekk / VG
Kerr is clear to The Times that he respects Ingebrigtsen. At the same time, he obviously allows himself to be motivated by the Norwegian’s harsh comments.
– I don’t particularly care about making friends at 1,500 metres. I’m here to get medals and run fast. I have left my mark in the sport and that is what has put me in this position. I think that will lead to some incredible races this season. It will be entertaining for the fans.
Also read: Ingebrigtsen about the competitors: – Some are assholes and idiots
The European Championships and the Olympics are the big highlights of this season. Before that time, however, Ingebrigtsen and Kerr will race against each other during the Diamond League meeting Prefontaine Classic at the end of May.
According to Kerr, the athletes sometimes get questions from event organizers about who they want to meet and who they don’t want to meet. However, the Scot does not want to hide from the Norwegian: He would rather respond to the repeated jabs by talking with his feet.
– I’m not hiding from anyone, it’s not me. I’m going to the Prefontaine Classic to run in a tough competition that should be exciting for the fans. I’m not afraid of losing, I’m more afraid of being bored, Kerr concludes.
