(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Josh Kerr Eyes Back-to-Back 1500m World Titles Amid Rising Challenge from Niels Laros
The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are heating up as defending champion Josh Kerr aims to retain his 1500m title, but faces a strong challenge from Dutch rising star Niels Laros in what promises to be one of the most exciting races of the tournament.
Kerr, who claimed gold in Budapest two years ago, is looking to cement his name alongside legends like Mo Farah, Jess Ennis-Hill, and Seb Coe by winning consecutive world titles. However, the path won’t be easy, especially with Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Cole Hocker out of contention.
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Ingebrigtsen was forced to exit early due to injury.
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Hocker, the Olympic champion from Paris, was controversially disqualified in the semi-finals for “jostling.”
This leaves Kerr to contend with Laros, the 20-year-old sensation who is widely tipped as the future of middle-distance running. Adding more drama, fellow Scots Jake Wightman (2022 world champion) and Neil Gourley have also booked their places in the final, setting up an all-star showdown.
Other Highlights from Day 5 in Tokyo
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Men’s 200m Heats: American sprinter Kenny Bednarek stormed to victory with a time of 19.98 seconds, easily securing his place in the next round.
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Amy Hunt (GBR): Qualified for the women’s 200m semi-finals, expressing joy at being “back where I love” on the track after her impressive performance.
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Dina Asher-Smith: Looked “very comfortable” in her heat, according to athletics great Colin Jackson, who praised her composure and experience at the world stage.
What’s Next
The highly anticipated men’s 1500m final will take place later today, with fans eagerly awaiting whether Kerr can defend his crown or if Laros will mark the beginning of a new era in middle-distance running.
Stay tuned for live updates, results, and expert analysis from the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo.
