Keely Hodgkinson’s Spectacular Comeback: Olympic 800m Star Returns to Diamond League Stockholm 2025

Olympic Champion Keely Hodgkinson Set to Make Electrifying Return to Track

British middle-distance sensation Keely Hodgkinson is ready to make her highly anticipated return to competitive athletics at the Diamond League Stockholm 2025, following a year-long absence due to a hamstring injury. The 800m Olympic gold medalist, who dazzled fans with her incredible performance in Paris, now eyes a powerful comeback as she prepares to race against the world’s elite female 800m runners.

At just 23 years old, Hodgkinson has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most promising global track and field talents. Her upcoming race marks her re-entry into competition and reignites her pursuit of the historic sub-1:54 800m barrier, and possibly the long-standing world record.

Facing the Pressure: Keely Hodgkinson’s High-Stakes Return

Returning after a 10-month hiatus, Hodgkinson admits she feels the weight of expectation. Her last race ended with Olympic gold, making her comeback all the more scrutinised.

“I do feel a bit rusty since it will have been 10 months by the time I compete again,” she told BBC Sport. “That first race will definitely bring some nerves, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

This moment marks more than just a return to the track—it’s a testament to her resilience, showcasing the mental toughness and determination that define champions. Hodgkinson’s return is not about easing in quietly; it’s about reasserting her dominance in the 800m.

Diamond League Stockholm 2025: A Field of Fierce Competitors

Hodgkinson’s return to competition won’t be an easy challenge. Stockholm’s women’s 800m field features a formidable roster, including seven top-ranked athletes globally. British teammates Georgia Hunter-Bell and Jemma Reekie will join her on the track, alongside Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma and Kenya’s Mary Moraa—both Olympic rivals from Paris.

“Seeing the lineup gave me exactly the motivation I needed,” Hodgkinson said. “It’s going to be a tough race. Our goal is to come out on top, so we’re training intensely for this and the upcoming competitions.”

This star-studded field ensures a high-octane showdown and presents the perfect stage for Hodgkinson to showcase her form. The battle for supremacy in women’s middle-distance running is heating up—and Hodgkinson is right in the centre.

Olympic 800m champ Keely Hodgkinson is BACK after a 10-month break, set to race at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2025.

Fresh off her Paris 2024 gold, she’s ready to chase records and dominate again.

Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m gold medalist, is making her return to… pic.twitter.com/c4mTEnI3kU

— Why It Is Trending (@trendingblog247) April 10, 2025

Battling Back from Injury: Hodgkinson’s Road to Recovery

The injury that paused her career struck just before launching her signature event, the Keely Klassic in Birmingham. It was a devastating blow, but one that became a turning point.

“It’s taken a lot of time and patience to get my hamstring back to full health,” she revealed. “But we’ve had no setbacks, and that’s been a relief.”

This phase of her journey has been marked by relentless rehab, mental discipline, and strategic planning. Instead of allowing the injury to hinder her goals, Hodgkinson took the opportunity to reset, recover, and come back both physically and mentally stronger.

Chasing Greatness: Tokyo 2025 World Championships on the Horizon

While Stockholm is a key milestone, the real target is the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Hodgkinson’s ultimate mission is clear: win gold and rewrite history.

“We’re pushing the limits,” she stated. “We want to break the 1:54 barrier—hopefully this year, we’ll see. However, the primary goal is to win the gold medal, and achieving a great time along with it would be a fantastic bonus.”

With a personal best that edges ever closer to Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.28, Hodgkinson is poised to leave her mark on the sport. If her momentum continues to build, 2025 may be the year she cements her place in track and field history.

MBE Honour: A Royal Recognition for Athletic Excellence

Adding to her remarkable year, Hodgkinson was recently awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding contributions to British athletics. The ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she met Prince William, was a proud and memorable moment.

“He said he remembered me winning last summer,” Hodgkinson shared. “Then my coach mentioned his kids are into athletics, so I said if he needs tips, he knows where to go.”

This prestigious honour celebrates her athletic achievements and highlights her growing role as a national icon and inspirational figure for the next generation.

A Pivotal Season for Women’s Middle-Distance Athletics

As the global athletics community turns its gaze to Stockholm, anticipation builds around Hodgkinson’s return. Her story is one of grit, grace, and unyielding ambition. From injury and rehabilitation to competing at the highest level, she embodies the spirit of elite sport.

Whether she smashes the sub-1:54 milestone, claims gold in Tokyo, or continues to inspire through resilience and passion, Keely Hodgkinson’s 2025 season will be unforgettable.

Keely Hodgkinson’s Legacy in the Making

Keely Hodgkinson is not just making a comeback—she’s rewriting the narrative of what’s possible in middle-distance running. With a blend of natural talent, unwavering dedication, and a hunger for greatness, she’s again set to dominate the track.

As she steps onto the Stockholm stage, fans and competitors will witness a defining moment in modern athletics. And whatever the clock says at the finish line, one truth remains: Keely Hodgkinson is back—and the race for greatness is on.