JOSH KERR was relieved to banish his “demons” after beating Cole Hocker to reclaim the 3,000m world indoor title he won two years ago on home soil in Glasgow.

He struck gold in seven minutes and 35.56 seconds, enacting revenge on Hocker, the American who pipped Kerr to Olympic 1,500m title at Paris 2024 Olympics, but on Saturday night finished second behind the Scotsman at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland.

Kerr was unable to even walk himself to breakfast just six months ago after sustaining a grade-two calf tear in the world 1,500m final in Tokyo, and leaned on physiotherapist mum Jill to aid in his recovery.

“Today was very special,” said Kerr, the 2023 world 1,500m champion. “I took it for granted a couple of years ago.

“Obviously winning in front of a home crowd, I thought there is nothing that can top it, but the relief of getting another win and being back on top is very special for me right now.

“I have a lot of family here to support and I owe it to them and I ran the last 400m with passion. Last time I was in a speed suit was a few months ago, where I dragged my leg across the line. Today a lot of demons were cracked, a resilient story for me today.”