New Mile World Record Holder Josh Kerr Temporarily Lost His Hearing During Race

**Josh Kerr Shatters 27-Year-Old Mile Record at Diamond League in London**

Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr made headlines over the weekend as he broke a long-standing world record in the mile, setting a new benchmark of 3:42.66. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Diamond League event at London Stadium, witnessed by a vibrant crowd of 60,000 spectators.

Kerr’s record-breaking performance not only showcased his athletic prowess but also revealed an extraordinary aspect of the race — a brief moment during which he lost his hearing. In a candid interview with The Athletic, he described this unusual experience occurring about 110 metres from the finish line. “It’s a very calming sensation, a trigger,” the 28-year-old explained. “As soon as it happens, it is my body telling me everything I don’t need is shutting off, and I’m going to get to the line as quickly as possible.”

The time set by Kerr surpasses the previous record held by Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj since 1999. Reflecting on the challenge posed by this historic record, Kerr remarked, “It was never going to be an easy record. We discussed it so many times.” His achievement is the culmination of months of strenuous training and meticulous preparation, which he documented on his YouTube channel.

Kerr’s journey to breaking the world record, which he referred to as “Project 222,” revolved around hitting the crucial number of seconds in the record time. Leading up to the event, he shared insights into his training regime while at altitude in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “The sessions were not hard, but the week-to-week was very difficult,” he recalled, highlighting the challenges of adhering to a strict schedule involving timely meals and disciplined routines.

The mental and physical demands of this rigorous training were palpable for Kerr, who often found himself questioning the intensity of his regimen. “There were some distinct moments where I’m just, ‘F— this’,” he admitted, recalling days when he felt overwhelmed after long training sessions. However, he understood that each day of hard work was a stepping stone to achieving his goal of breaking the world record.

On the day of the race in London, as anticipation built amongst the spectators, Kerr positioned himself at the start line in a moment of intense focus. He reflected on the atmosphere, saying, “When the pressure is on, I show up. I have had harder times mentally when running events that do not have the eyeballs that this did.” This attitude reveals Kerr’s ability to thrive under pressure, using the weight of expectation to motivate himself rather than hinder his performance.

Completing the mile in under 3:43 not only secured Kerr’s place in track and field history but also fulfilled a dream he has cherished for many years. The roar of the stadium as he approached the finish line, coupled with the hush that fell in the moments leading up to his sprint, made for an electrifying spectacle.

Kerr’s historic run serves as a testament to his dedication and perseverance, traits that have been instrumental in his ascent to the top ranks of middle-distance running. As he continues to build on this significant achievement, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what the future holds for this talented athlete, particularly as he prepares for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the words of Kerr, the emotional weight of his accomplishment will take time to settle in, but the impact of his record run will likely resonate well beyond the athletics community, inspiring countless aspiring athletes to chase their own dreams. As he looks ahead, Kerr remains committed to his training and his vision, embodying the spirit of determination that defines not just a world-class athlete, but also a true competitor.