Josh Kerr breaks world mile record, Keely Hodgkinson fails
By OnzeActu · · 4 min read
At the London Stadium, Josh Kerr set a new mile world record of 3:42.66, knocking 0.47s off Hicham El Guerrouj's time. For her part, Keely Hodgkinson won the 800m in 1:56.21 but did not beat Jarmila Kratochvilova's record, hampered by an injury after an incident in training.
Why it matters
Josh Kerr's performance at the Diamond League in London was historic, as he not only broke a 27-year-old record, but also marked a turning point in his career after becoming world champion in the 1500m. This success could boost its status in the world of athletics and draw attention to less publicized events like the mile, which are often overshadowed by more popular distances.
Context
Josh Kerr, by breaking the mile record, positions himself as a key athlete in Diamond League football, while Keely Hodgkinson, despite winning her race, will need to overcome injuries to realize her potential in future events.
Key points
- Josh Kerr breaks the mile world record, Keely Hodgkinson fails.
- At the London Stadium, Josh Kerr set a new mile world record of 3:42.66, knocking 0.47s off Hicham El Guerrouj's time.
- Josh Kerr breaks mile world record but Keely Hodgkinson fails in 800m record bid at London Diamond League athletics | At.
The mile event, less frequent than the 1500m in world championships or the Olympic Games, had nevertheless been targeted by Kerr, former world champion in the 1500m, who announced in March his intention to try to beat a 27-year-old mark. His performance in London — praised by an enthusiastic audience — also earned him a reward of $50,000 (around £37,000).
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The evening was more mixed for Keely Hodgkinson. The Olympic athlete was aiming for a historic 800m time but had to settle for victory in 1:56.21. According to the report, this time was "almost three tenths of a second" above the world record held by Jarmila Kratochvilova, set in Munich in July 1983. Hodgkinson suffered a surprising incident in the hours before the race: while doing a cool-down session in Wigan, she allegedly tripped and fell on a metal grate, cutting her knees.
Despite this mishap and injuries to his knees, Hodgkinson still took the start and won his race, without however managing to dethrone a record which has remained unbeaten for four decades. According to the report, she will have another opportunity to aim for the historic mark next month at the European Championships in Birmingham. This meeting could even offer a high-level duel against the Swiss Audrey Werro, mentioned as having recently achieved the third and fourth best current performances over 800 m.
The London evening recalls the vitality of the Diamond League circuit, capable of offering both historic evenings and stories of resilience. Kerr has inscribed his name in the pantheon of records over a legendary distance, while Hodgkinson will have to heal his wounds and prepare for the revenge announced in Birmingham to try to erase one of the oldest references in modern athletics.
The rest
After this victory, Josh Kerr may consider competing in other high-level competitions to continue establishing his reputation. For her part, Keely Hodgkinson, despite her victory, will have to focus on her recovery to come back stronger and try to beat the 800m world record, which remains a major objective for her.
Frequently asked questions
What record did Josh Kerr break at the London Diamond League?
Josh Kerr broke the world record for the mile with a time of 3:42.66.
Who held the previous mile record before Josh Kerr?
The previous mile record was held by Hicham El Guerrouj with a time of 3:43.13, set in 1999.
Why did Josh Kerr try to break the mile record now?
Josh Kerr announced in March his intention to attempt to break the mile record, which was 27 years old.
What awards did Josh Kerr receive for his performance?
Josh Kerr received a $50,000 reward for his record-breaking performance.
What happened to Keely Hodgkinson during her 800m race?
Keely Hodgkinson won her race in 1:56.21, but suffered a fall on a metal gate before the race, resulting in knee injuries.