IAAF World Indoor Championships 2026: Josh Kerr reclaims 3000m title

Josh Kerr completed his post-injury return to the top of the world podium in dramatic fashion as he reclaimed his 3000m title to win Great Britain’s first medal at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Poland.

Kerr, who won gold in the home event in Glasgow two years ago, had his defense of his 1,500m world title ruined by injury in Tokyo last September.

But, six months after tearing his calf during that final, Kerr demonstrated his return to full fitness by overcoming world-class rivals as the full complement of Olympic medalists competed in the 1500 metres.

The 28-year-old, now a three-time world champion, made his move on the final lap and was not to be denied as he held off his rivals before crossing the finish line in seven minutes and 35.56 seconds.

American Cole Hooker, who denied Kerr an Olympic gold medal in 2024 and won the world 5,000 meters title last year, beat the Briton in their only previous meeting this season over two miles at the Melrose Games.

But Hooker had no response to Kerr’s rush to get the gold medal and settled for the silver medal, while France’s Yann Schrupp won the bronze medal.

However, Kerr was not completely satisfied with the way he ran the race.

“I think I created problems myself tonight. For the viewers, this is not how you win a gold medal!” Kerr told BBC Sport.

“I knew I had to approach it right or else I was going to have a very difficult conversation with my coach tonight.

“I thought about trying not to waste any energy and there were some moves that made me show my hand a little bit.

“I was just trying to relax in the chaos and trust that I was fitter and better than the other players.”