Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m champion, has had to pull out of her much-anticipated attempt to break the women’s indoor 800m world record. The event was set to take place in Birmingham this weekend, but a hamstring injury has put a halt to her world-record aspirations. The injury, sustained during a training session earlier this week, has left the 22-year-old athlete “gutted” as she shifts her focus to the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, set for March.
Contents
Keely Hodgkinson’s World Record Ambitions
Keely Hodgkinson had been gearing up for a groundbreaking performance at the ‘Keely Klassic’ in Birmingham, where she planned to break the long-standing women’s indoor 800m record. The current record, set by Jolanda Ceplak, stands at 1:55.82, a time that has held firm for nearly 23 years. Hodgkinson had been targeting this record, and with her impressive career achievements, fans were eager to see if she could make history in front of a home crowd.
The Olympic gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Games had already clocked an outstanding time of 1:56.72 in the 800m final, finishing almost half a second ahead of Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma. She had hoped to eclipse her indoor personal best of 1:57.18, set last year in Birmingham, which also marked a British record. Unfortunately, the hamstring injury sustained during a routine training session on Wednesday has derailed her plans.
Hamstring Injury Forces Withdrawal from Birmingham Event
Hodgkinson’s hamstring injury was confirmed after undergoing a scan, which revealed that competing in the Keely Klassic would not be possible. She expressed her frustration and disappointment with the situation, sharing that the news of her injury brought her to tears. “I won’t pretend, when I received the news this afternoon, I couldn’t hold back a tear,” she shared. “I’ve put in so much effort for this moment and was in the best physical condition of my life.” I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans, especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.”
Despite this setback, Hodgkinson’s commitment to the sport and her fans remains unwavering. She assured her supporters that although she wouldn’t be racing, she would still be present at the event, determined to make it an unforgettable experience for all involved. “This event has never been solely about me – it’s always been about highlighting British talent, introducing something fresh to the sport, and infusing athletics with more excitement and entertainment,” she explained.
A Shift in Focus: World Indoor Championships in Nanjing
While Keely Hodgkinson’s immediate race plans have been put on hold, she remains focused on her long-term goals, with her eyes now set on the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. Despite the injury, she continues to focus on her recovery and training for the competition, which will take place in March. Hodgkinson is confident that she will return to her best form, ready to represent Britain on the global stage once again.
Hodgkinson’s resilience and dedication to her sport have inspired countless fans and fellow athletes alike. Her determination to remain a positive force within the athletics community is evident in her commitment to the Keely Klassic event, which she still plans to attend and support in person.
Keely’s Dedication to Inspiring the Next Generation
Keely Hodgkinson has always been more than just a world-class athlete; she is a role model who strives to inspire the next generation of athletes. Though she will not be able to compete in her world record attempt this weekend, she remains deeply committed to creating an exciting, vibrant atmosphere at the Keely Klassic for both the athletes and the fans.
“I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday, doing everything possible to ensure it’s an incredible night for both the athletes and the fans,” she stated. “I want to help create a real festival atmosphere, engage with as many young people as possible, and hopefully inspire the next generation to fall in love with track and field.”
Her passion for the sport and for inspiring others are among the many qualities that make her such a beloved figure in British athletics. Hodgkinson’s ability to focus on the bigger picture, even in the face of adversity, reflects her maturity and determination to leave a lasting legacy.
Looking Forward to the Future
Keely Hodgkinson’s future in athletics remains bright. Despite the setback of her hamstring injury, she remains optimistic and dedicated to her recovery. With her impressive track record and undeniable talent, Hodgkinson is sure to bounce back stronger than ever at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing. Fans can look forward to seeing her compete once again in March, where she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and achieve great things.
Her withdrawal from the Keely Klassic may have disappointed many, but her strength of character and dedication to her sport ensures that her journey is far from over. As she recovers from her injury and prepares for the next stage of her career, one thing is sure – Keely Hodgkinson’s journey is only just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
