Last year, it was suggested Jakob Ingebrigtsen was unbeatable only for Jake Wightman to spring one of the big surprises of the World Athletics Championships and eclipse the talented Norwegian.
Wightman is in Budapest but, because of injury, is instead on commentary duties rather than standing on the start line having aspirations to defend his title.
Instead, teammate Josh Kerr is hoping to upset Ingebrigtsen, who looked so at ease in his semi-final he had time to whip up the crowd in Budapest coming down the home straight.
“The country currently have the world title and I’m not looking to give that up to any other country for Wightman’s sake and for our country’s sake,” said Kerr looking ahead to Wednesday’s final of the 1500metres.
“I tell you what would be a big blow for him [Ingebrigtsen] is finishing in front of him on Wednesday. I’ll worry about doing that. It’s all I’m looking forward to.”
Kerr and Wightman are part of a raft of talented Scottish middle-distance runners, their grit he put down to training in some dire weather conditions over the years at home.
For the most part, the 25-year-old from Edinburgh has put such climes behind him training as he does in the United States.
He already has success at world level with bronze in the event at the Tokyo Olympics before finishing fifth at the Worlds.
As for his target in Hungary: “We are hoping to get at least one medal and Jake was an absolute inspiration last year. I want to be that guy, I want to be the person winning that race or medalling for our country.
“The expectation is medals, the expectation is to bring back silverware for our team and up the medal count. I’m here to get a medal.”
