Josh Kerr Inspired by Childhood Commonwealth Games T-Shirt Ahead of Glasgow 2026

GLASGOW: (Mudassar Iqbal/ News Desk) – Mile world record holder Josh Kerr has revealed that a childhood “Scottish Commonwealth Games Hopeful” T-shirt continues to inspire him as he prepares to compete for gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 28-year-old Scottish middle-distance star said he still keeps the T-shirt he received as a youngster after training in Commonwealth Games youth academies, describing it as a cherished reminder of where his journey began.

Kerr, who now holds the mile world record with a time of 3:42.66, said representing Scotland on home soil in front of family and fans is one of the biggest ambitions of his career.

Athletics and Para Athletics events at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place at Scotstoun Stadium from July 27 to August 1, with the men’s and women’s mile finals scheduled for August 1.

Looking ahead to the competition, Kerr said his focus is no longer on chasing fast times but on racing the best athletes in the Commonwealth. He added that returning to Scotstoun Stadium would be an emotional experience, recalling how he competed there as a teenager in events ranging from the mile to shot put and high jump.

Records show that in July 2011, at the age of 13, Kerr ran the mile in 4:30.91, threw the shot put 7.34 metres, and cleared 1.55 metres in the high jump at the same venue.

Kerr also admitted he was disappointed with his performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is determined to do justice to the Scotland jersey this time around.

Expressing confidence in Team Scotland, he said competing at a home Commonwealth Games would create a special atmosphere and provide extra motivation, with passionate home support expected to inspire athletes across all events.

Glasgow 2026 is the UK’s largest sporting event of the year, bringing together around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports.