Running News Daily

Kerr aims for 'unprecedented' Olympic hat-trick

Josh Kerr is targeting an "unprecedented" hat-trick of Olympic 1500m medals after making history with his silver at this year's Paris Games.

The 26-year-old took bronze from the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games and became the first Scot to win at two different Olympics stagings, which he described as "a nice accolade for sure".

"That’s an awesome stat for me," he told Scottish Athletics.

"One more medal across the men’s 1500m in the Olympics would, I believe, be unprecedented and be the most anyone has ever had in that distance.

"So, I am trying to push Scotland into a really good spot and hopefully we can come away with a gold medal next time in Los Angeles [in 2028].

"I am looking for the full set."

Why Eliud Kipchoge will still be at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 following dissapointment in Paris

Kipchoge has confirmed he will be involved in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following his unprecedented setback in Paris last Saturday that forced him to withdraw.

Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya's legendary marathon runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has set his sights on a new chapter after returning home from the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

While the world had high expectations for another podium finish, Kipchoge’s focus has now shifted from competition to inspiring the next generation of athletes and the wider public.

Widely celebrated for his resilience and unparalleled achievements in long-distance running, Kipchoge spoke candidly about his future during a recent interview.

Despite the challenges and the outcome in Paris, Kipchoge emphasized his excitement for the future, particularly with an eye on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

"As an athlete, I will be at the Olympics in another capacity to inspire hope and optimism not just in my country and continent, but across the entire world," Kipchoge stated, as quoted on Citizen Digital. 

While he has confirmed that he will not be competing, Kipchoge’s presence at the 2028 Olympics will be one of inspiration rather than competition.

“The future of the marathon in Kenya is bright; it is only a matter of molding the next generation and guiding them on what is needed to excel,” Kipchoge stated on Olympics. Com. His reflections underscore his belief in Kenya’s potential to continue producing world-class marathon runners.

“I will not go into coaching. I have many other things to do. I will travel around the country motivating people,” he revealed, signaling a shift from his active role in competitive sports to one centered on inspiration and mentorship.

Kipchoge's return from Paris marked a moment of introspection for the marathon icon. Having dominated the sport for years, he has now decided to step away from global running competitions.

 Kipchoge's legacy as a marathon legend is undeniable. Over his career, he has participated in approximately 20 world marathons, securing 15 victories. His 2019 world record of 1:59:40 in Vienna remains unchallenged, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.

However, as he steps off the track, Kipchoge is determined to continue making an impact, this time through motivation and mentorship.

What to expect at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics has been under major scrutiny by the public–but mostly by the LA28 Olympic Committee. Los Angeles, the next host of the summer Olympic Games, is set on providing the safest and the greatest experience for the athletes–and has been taking notes on what has and hasn’t worked in Paris.

An LA28 sculpture has already taken residence on Long Beach, Calif., where Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish all performed for the closing ceremonies, celebrating the handover of the Olympic flag that was promptly flown in from Paris.

Transportation

The city of Los Angeles plans to host a no-car, no-build Games. Athletes and tourists will have to rely on public transportation to get between competition venues and the Athletes’ Village. The city will borrow 3,000 buses from around the country, in addition to encouraging businesses to stagger work hours and allow working from home to reduce traffic on the roads.

Venues

Athletes will be housed in the dorms on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, rather than having the city build an Olympic Village. The city has infrastructure in place from the previous Olympic Games hosted in 1932 and 1984; no new permanent venues will be needed.

Without having to deal with contaminated bodies of water such as the River Seine, the open-water swimming events should run smoothly; they are to take place at the Long Beach waterfront.

New sports

Five sports will be added to the Olympic program in L.A.; lacrosse, cricket, squash, flag football and baseball/softball are all representative of American culture and will make an exciting new part of the Games. Breaking has been dropped from the Olympic program after making its debut in Paris (a decision that was made before the Games even took place). It did end up getting a lot of attention, but for the wrong reasons.

The L.A. 2028 Games begin on July 14, 2028–we still have 1,432 days to go, but the countdown has already begun.