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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Steph Brawn

Scot Josh Kerr 'definitely disappointed' after BBC Sports Personality snub

WORLD champion middle-distance runner Josh Kerr has said he is “definitely disappointed” to not make the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.

The Scot won 1500m gold at the World Championships in Budapest this year but has not been included in the list of six sportspeople nominated for the prestigious award.

Kerr - who stunned the overwhelming favourite Jakob Ingebrigtsen - ensured Scots secured back-to-back world titles in the event after Jake Wightman won gold in the 1500m in 2022.

His omission has been criticised by Seb Coe, the president of World Athletics, as well as several sports journalists.

Kerr said: “It's such an amazing award.

"But there's nothing really I can do about it. I'm definitely disappointed.

“I've always been told that when it comes to selection then leave them with no doubt and I obviously left them with some doubt so that's on me. 

"We have such an amazing year of sport coming up next year that I'm just looking to prove myself again and hopefully I can be in contention to be in that top six next year."

Kerr – who took bronze at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 - will attend the ceremony to support athletics.

The list includes England cricketer Stuart Broad, golfer Rory McIlroy, jockey Frankie Dettori, Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps, tennis player Alfie Hewitt and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Asked if he thought there was an issue with Scottish athletes getting the recognition they deserved, Kerr told the BBC: "We just have to keep banging on the door and the recognition will come.

"I have my World Championship gold medal and that's all I really care about this year.

“I've had some great awards from Scottish Athletics and for Scottish sportsperson, so I'm really honoured."

"I'm still going. I'm going there to support 'KJT' and support the sport of athletics and that's my job. I'm not sitting around crying about it but I'm obviously disappointed because it's such an awesome award."

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