Josh Kerr Confirms World Record Bid in London: 2026 Challenge Set

**Josh Kerr will attempt a world record in London this summer**, with organizers confirming his bid for the men’s pole vault. The 30-year-old British athlete, currently ranked third globally, will compete at a high-profile event designed to test elite jumpers in the build-up to the 2026 World Athletics Championships.

Kerr’s attempt is scheduled for **July 2026**, though no exact date has been pinned. The event will feature a field of top vaulters, including reigning world champion **Armand Duplantis** and **Samantha Kendrick**, who holds the British record. Kerr’s coach, **Mark McCormack**, has emphasized a cautious approach, focusing on consistency over immediate height gains.

A world record would cement Kerr’s legacy as one of Britain’s most dominant pole vaulters. His personal best of **6.03m**-set in 2023-falls short of the **6.23m** mark held by Duplantis. But Kerr’s technical precision and recent form suggest he’s in position to challenge. His last major victory came at the **2025 European Championships**, where he cleared **5.95m** to finish second.

Kerr will face **Armand Duplantis**, the Swedish vaulter who has dominated the event since 2020. Duplantis holds the world record and has cleared **6.23m** multiple times. Another threat comes from **Samantha Kendrick**, who has pushed Kerr in recent British meets. The London event will also feature **Pavel Voykov**, the Bulgarian vaulter known for his explosive takeoffs.

Kerr’s training camp is underway, with sessions focusing on **strength and technique**. His team has ruled out major changes to his vaulting style, instead refining his approach to higher bars. A test meet in **June 2026** will gauge his readiness, with expectations high for a strong performance before the record bid.

The London event will use a **progressive height system**, starting at **5.70m** and increasing in **5cm increments**. Kerr’s first clear will determine the bar’s next height. If he succeeds, he’ll aim for **6.10m**-a mark that would place him within striking distance of the world record. Failure could push the attempt to a later date, though his team insists on a **single, decisive push** rather than multiple attempts.