What injury did Josh Kerr sustain at the 2025 World Championships?

Josh Kerr suffered a grade two tear in his right calf muscle during the 1500m final.

How did Josh Kerr perform after his injury setback?

He has since returned to training and achieved strong results, including multiple 1500m wins and a 5000m championship.

What was Josh Kerr's message about elite sports?

Kerr shared that "The sport owes you nothing. You gotta go out and take what's yours."

Home / Sports / Kerr's Grit: Calf Tear Can't Stop Star Runner

Kerr's Grit: Calf Tear Can't Stop Star Runner

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Josh Kerr suffered a calf tear during the 1500m final.
He bravely finished the race despite visible pain and a limp.
Kerr is back training and has achieved strong results since.

Kerr's Grit: Calf Tear Can't Stop Star Runner

Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr's 2025 World Championships concluded with a significant setback after he sustained a grade two calf tear during the 1500m final in Tokyo on September 17. Despite experiencing considerable pain and a visible limp, Kerr displayed remarkable determination by completing the race, albeit last. The emotional impact of this event lingered for months.

Following his injury, Kerr shared a powerful video on Instagram, emphasizing the relentless nature of elite sports and the necessity of self-driven ambition. He stated, "The sport owes you nothing. You gotta go out and take what's yours." This sentiment underscored his approach to recovery and rebuilding his form.

Kerr has since made a strong comeback. After an initial withdrawal from the Wanamaker Mile due to illness, he has achieved impressive results, including multiple 1500m victories in the Slam series, a second-place finish at the London Athletics Meet, and a British 5000m championship title.