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JOSH KERR added world indoor gold to outdoor glory – then admitted he was more tired celebrating it.
The US-based Scot produced a scintillating finish in the 3,000 metres at the Emirates Arena tonight.
Josh Kerr finished the race strong to take home gold[/caption]
He won the race in front of a home crowd in Glasgow[/caption]
After topping the podium over 1500 metres in Budapest last year he kicked to the front down the back straight and was roared home by the Glasgow crowd.
But rather than stopping at the line he kept on running as he lapped up the achievement.
Edinburgh-born Kerr, 26, grinned: “I think I burnt more energy celebrating than I did in the race. That was a bit embarrassing!
“These competitions are so important and I’ve come to championships before, not ready to take a real swing at it.
“I feel like I’ve let the UK audience down a little bit in the way that I’ve performed in the last few years in front of them.
“This was really important for me to come here and execute. But I’m rather tired now!”
Kerr had to contend with some bumping and barging as he moved through a congested field.
There were points when he looked boxed in but with three-and-a-half laps left he dramatically swerved out from trouble and progressed up the pack before making that move and clocking 7:42.98.
But Kerr admits he had to work at controlling his emotions with family and friends watching in the stands.
He said: “I came in here without a solid plan for the first time. I wanted to make sure I didn’t act emotionally out there.
“I tried to keep a patient head. It wasn’t the cleanest race but I got it down and a world title is amazing. I feel pumped.
“The Scottish and British fans packing out this stadium is the loudest I’ve ever been in a stadium. I knew I needed to keep a calm head and keep the heart rate down. It was an emotional day out there.
“I didn’t want to short-change anyone. It was a hard-fought race, up and down, as we had expected.
“But when you come to Scotland, it’s on. I am so relieved and happy. For Scotland and the UK, this is a huge championship. I needed to be at my best.”
Meanwhile Jemma Reekie admits she wanted to send out a message to her rivals as she finished her 800 metres semi with a flourish.
The Beith-born 800 metres ace will look to add her first senior international medal to the British title she won last month when runs in tonight’s final.
She could have settled for second yesterday but burst home in pole position in 1:58.28, the fastest time of both races.
Reekie, 25, said: “It was perfect planning. I’m in really good shape and although I knew it was going to be really tough, I wanted them to know if they’re coming to win on my track, they’re going to have to work hard.
“We have taken each race as it comes. I’ll sit down with my coach Jon Bigg and Sally Gunnell and work it out together. I think the final will be a fast one.”
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