Team GB star Josh Kerr warns Olympics fans to expect ‘vicious’ 1500m final when he takes on bitter rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the men’s 1500m Olympic final

Team GB’s Josh Kerr has warned fans that he is expecting a ‘vicious’ clash with his bitter rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the men’s 1500m Olympic final.

The pair faced each other in Sunday’s semi-final, with Ingebrigtsen prevailing following a tight tussle.

Kerr and Ingebrigtsen were seen staring at each other in the closing stages of the race. 

As reported by The Guardian, Kerr said: ‘They should be expecting one of the most vicious and hardest 1500 metres this sport has seen for a very long time.

‘I am ready to go after it. I think we all are. There has been a lot of talk and words over the last 12 months, even two years. I am looking to settle that on Tuesday and give it my best performance. I will show that in the final.’ 

Kerr, who was beaten by Ingebrigtsen in the semi-final, is looking forward to the challenge

Ingebrigtsen of Norway previously criticised Kerr, saying: ‘It is difficult to refer to him as a rival when he is never there. He is known as the Brit who never competes. I try to enter as many races as I can and I want to be here to entertain.’ 

Stan Sport ambassador John Steffensen told Daily Mail Australia that he ‘loves’ Ingebrigtsen’s approach.

John Steffensen revealed that he loves the battle between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen

He aid: ‘Love, love, love, love, love it. I love Josh Kerr too. This is what the sport needs.

‘There’s nothing arrogant about it. At the end of the day, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, from 16 years of age has proven why he is the best in the world and he deserves to run and behave however he feels he needs to behave to get the best out of him.

‘We’ve seen that with Josh Kerr when he runs. Josh gives it as much as he gets and I love that from Josh as well.’