World record holder Josh Kerr criticizes $50,000 prize money

British runner Josh Kerr shattered the mile world record in London on Saturday, clocking in at 3:42.66. This performance surpassed Hicham El Guerrouj's previous record of 3:43.13, set in 1999, by 0.47 seconds.

Despite the historic achievement, Kerr voiced strong criticism regarding the prize money awarded for his record-breaking feat. He received a $50,000 bonus, the same amount El Guerrouj earned for his record 27 years prior. "Financially it was a good day for me, but $50,000 is a ridiculous amount," Kerr told The Times. "It's pathetic that the prize is still the same 27 years later. I don't want to sound greedy."

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Financially it was a good day for me, but $50,000 is a ridiculous amount. It's pathetic that the prize is still the same 27 years later. I don't want to sound greedy.

Kerr elaborated on his financial concerns, highlighting the significant personal investment made during his eight professional years. "I know how much I've invested in myself financially over my eight professional years," he stated. "I feel like I received less than I deserved."

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I know how much I've invested in myself financially over my eight professional years. I feel like I received less than I deserved.

Beyond prize money, Kerr also lamented the lack of media attention given to athletics. "We are overshadowed in the media by many sports where I think much less happens than in athletics," he said. "That's why we need more moments like Saturday's."

Kerr is a decorated athlete, having won the 1,500-meter world championship in Budapest in 2023. He also secured Olympic silver in the same event at the Paris 2024 Games and an Olympic bronze in Tokyo in 2021.

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We are overshadowed in the media by many sports where I think much less happens than in athletics. That's why we need more moments like Saturday's.