Keely Hodgkinson Eyes 800m World Record After Stellar 2024

Keely Hodgkinson expressed confidence about breaking the 800m world record after a stellar 2024 season, capped by winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 22-year-old Olympic champion ended a three-year wait for a global title in Paris becoming the first British track gold medalist since Sir Mo Farah in 2016. She also retained her European title and set a British record of 1:54.61, the sixth-fastest time in history. The 800m world record of 1:53.28, set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983, remains a long-term target.

Hodgkinson guided by her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows aims to pursue indoor and outdoor world titles in 2025 before focusing on breaking the record in 2026. Meadows believes Hodgkinson, who remains unbeaten in the 800m this year is just beginning a potentially legendary career. Hodgkinson’s Olympic triumph came after silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games and two World Championships with her victory in Paris marking her refusal to settle for second again.

She overcame illness to defend her European title and pushed the boundaries of her performance with her record-setting run at the London Diamond League. However, a minor hamstring injury ended her season early. Painter is optimistic about Hodgkinson’s potential, believing she can run 1:53 within the next few years. Hodgkinson now back in training will compete at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing in March and defend her outdoor title in Tokyo in September.

Reflecting on her season, Keely Hodgkinson highlighted the joy she found in competing, crediting the energy of the crowds and her team for her success. Determined to become one of Britain’s greatest athletes, she is focused on maintaining momentum and achieving her ambitious goals.