Josh Kerr has been setting the track on fire this year! Breaking records one after another seems to be his magic working its way through. Starting with an indoor two-mile world record, clinching gold in the 3000m at the World Indoors in Glasgow, and smashing Steve Cram’s longstanding British mile record, he has truly been on a roll. With Olympic silver and bronze in 2024 and 2020, respectively, he knows his achievements are not just the result of his blood, sweat, and tears, but also the support and innovative guidance of his coach, who is bursting with pride for Kerr’s achievements.

Their most memorable moment came at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. As Kerr took to the track for the 200m, his coach was over the moon, heart in his mouth, shouting, “Come on man, we’ve worked on this. We’ve worked on this so much. Proud of you.” The bond between them is a winning combination on the track. Kerr’s coach knows exactly how to in him. But who exactly is this coach who has helped Kerr go the extra mile and achieve such success?

Meet Danny Mackey, Josh Kerr’s longtime coach

Danny Mackey is the driving force behind the Brooks Beasts Track Club, a prominent post-collegiate team in Seattle that he established in 2013. The club boasts a roster of top-tier athletes, including renowned names such as World Championships 800m medalist Nick Symmonds and 2015 World Championship team member Casimir Loxsom.

His coaching journey was fueled by an unyielding passion for sports and an undying determination. Despite flourishing careers at Nike’s sports research lab and Adidas, his heart was steadfast in coaching. rejections over eight years, he finally clinched his dream role with the Beasts in 2012. This opportunity allowed him to build the team and program from scratch.

Mackey’s interest in coaching was fueled by his deep passion for sports, and he also said in an interview, “Despite having a fulfilling career at Nike’s sports research lab and a similar role at Adidas, my heart was set on coaching.” But how was Mackey’s athletic career? Well, per Medium, he himself told about the same: “I went to Eastern Illinois University. In college, I ran 4:16 in the mile, 15:18 in the 5K, and then 25:25 in the 8K cross country. So I got quite a bit better right when I graduated —like, I PR’d by a minute in the 5K.” Now, you must be wondering how Danny Mackey met Josh Kerr.

How did Danny Mackey and Josh Kerr meet?

Josh Kerr’s journey with Mackey began during his freshman year at the University of New Mexico in 2018. Their initial encounter was marked by Mackey’s keen eye for talent and Kerr’s unmistakable potential, despite initial challenges. “When I first saw Josh at UNM,” Mackey recalls, “he didn’t say much, but I saw glimpses of his potential during a 300m rep.” Recognizing Kerr’s athletic lineage and early promise, Mackey and Kerr’s coach at the time, Joe Franklin, began discussing his potential. Kerr’s breakout moment came in 2017 with NCAA indoor mile and outdoor 1500m titles, catching Mackey’s attention even more.

“I hadn’t spoken to him yet, but I knew he was someone we needed on our team,” Mackey explains. “We value not only athletic prowess but also character at Brooks, and I was impressed by Josh’s demeanor.” Their first real conversation happened after Kerr’s stunning performance at an NCAA race, solidifying Mackey’s determination to recruit him. “I spoke with Josh and his parents, discussing our vision for his career—Olympic and World Championship medals,” Mackey reflects. “Their commitment matched Josh’s drive, and from that night onward, they’ve worked together to realize those goals.

Danny Mackey’s career highlights and achievements

Josh Kerr’s coach was a runner at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), and his specialization? Mackey used to compete in middle-distance in 800 m and 1500 m. Mackey was also qualified for the 2004 Olympic trials in 800m and showcased her resilience as an athlete before turning into a full-time coach. This might come as a surprise, but Danny Mackey has a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics. His master’s became the background of Mackey’s coaching philosophy. So, how did Danny Mackey help Josh Kerr in his training?

All about Josh Kerr’s training

Josh Kerr’s training regimen operates like a well-oiled machine, finely tuned to optimize both physical and mental resilience. Strength training isn’t just about muscle development for Kerr; it’s a strategic necessity that enables him to unleash power during crucial race moments while maintaining agility and preventing injuries. Twice a week, he dedicates rigorous 75-minute sessions to strength and conditioning, focusing on running-specific exercises that enhance performance without sacrificing speed and flexibility.

In parallel to physical conditioning, Kerr prioritizes mental toughness, integrating rigorous practices like saunas and cold plunges to fortify his resolve. Under the guidance of his coach, Danny Mackey, Kerr adheres to a philosophy of continuous improvement rather than abrupt changes. A pivotal part of Kerr’s weekly routine occurs every Thursday, following a long, easy run. It’s dedicated to plyometrics and bodyweight exercises, a cornerstone of his training since his early athletics days. These sessions, which include exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers, are tailored to enhance explosive power and muscular endurance, essential for sprint finishes and race endurance.

Beyond physical workouts, Kerr ensures recovery plays a crucial role in his regimen. With a weekly mileage of 65-70 miles, significantly lower than many of his peers, he emphasizes quality over quantity. His recovery routine includes regular sports massages and a meticulous focus on nutrition, bolstering his ability to sustain peak performance throughout the season. Kerr’s training ethos embodies the adage “iron sharpens iron,” where each workout refines both physical and mental capabilities.

How did Danny Mackey react to Josh Kerr’s gold medal performance?

To win the silver medal, Josh Kerr set a new personal best and a new British national mark of 3:27.79, more than a second faster than Mo Farah’s previous British record of 3:28.81. “I got into this sport to see if a person, on the right team, with grit, intelligence, scary discipline, and full of joy, could be the best in the world without cutting corners, no gray areas, all above the board. You gave me that answer,” Danny Mackey said after Josh Kerr won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.