Kerr revels in Glasgow homecoming after Commonwealth Games mile win

Josh Kerr had little time to rest after winning the Commonwealth Games mile in Glasgow, but he was happy to embrace the city's lively atmosphere. The 28-year-old Scot spent the hours after his victory sharing social media clips of himself running through streets, parks and tracks, and even loosening off under a Kingston Bridge flyover.

Kerr's celebrations were marked by closeness to his supporters. Among those watching were his grandparents, nephews, his first coach and training partners from childhood, as well as hundreds of children. The Edinburgh-born athlete made a point of granting every request for a selfie or signature, explaining that he wanted to create a moment for them and show that growing up in Scotland does not limit anyone's running ambitions.

Earlier in the summer, Kerr had promised to break a 27-year-old record and win Games gold. He delivered with a world-best mile time of three minutes 42.66 seconds. At Scotstoun, running into a blustery wind, he was more than 11 seconds slower for the 1609-metre distance, but still produced a performance on a track where he used to compete and often lose as a child.

After the medal ceremony, Kerr stood on the podium as "Flower of Scotland" played, struggling to hold back tears. He acknowledged that the whole experience had been enjoyable, noting that the team was staying near areas where he used to meet athletics friends in Glasgow. Although he is now based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he said Edinburgh remains home and that he is proud to be Scottish, returning four times a year.

Asked about being considered a standard bearer for Scottish sport, alongside figures like Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Andy Murray, Kerr called it an honour. He recalled that Hoy attended his school and spoke at assemblies, which made a sporting career seem possible. Kerr hopes he can have a similar effect on the next generation, while acknowledging there is still much work to do to match those legends.