Kerr became the first Scottish athlete to win world indoor gold since Tom McKean and Yvonne Murray did it 31 years ago. His immediate reaction was to seek out Saltire, who bundled up as the Glasgow crowd looked stunned.
It was important to do this. But doing it here meant it was more important. “It's a great feeling to come home and be proud and it's a full-circle moment,” he told BBC Scotland.
“I think I expended more energy celebrating than I did during the race, but it was a bit embarrassing. I wanted to be careful not to act emotionally. I tried to stay calm and really pushed myself in the 400 meters.” Takeaway . “
The way Kerr claimed victory was reminiscent of the physique of reigning Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen when he won gold at the world championships in Budapest in August.
In the months since then, the Norwegian has had a thing or two to say about Kerr, who has offered a sharp point or two of his own sportingly.
There's a lot of fun there that will only increase as this summer's Olympics approach.
Ingebrigtsen has not visited Glasgow this week, but events will not escape his attention. These would have served as further reminders that Kerr is capable of improving on the bronze medal he won in Tokyo three years ago.
“This is a huge stepping stone to bringing home more gold medals for Scotland, Great Britain and Team GB,” Kerr said of the success.
“All you can do is make yourself available when the golden opportunity arises, and that door opened today.
“After Budapest, I knew I had the ability to go back home and do something special. I wanted to show that it's possible.”
“I want to show the next generation of runners that you can be a champion if you come from here.”
