Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson Claims 800m Gold

Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson clinched Olympic gold in the 800m final in Paris, ending her quest for a global title. The 22-year-old had previously finished second at consecutive World Championships and earned silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, Hodgkinson finally overcame these near-misses, taking command of the final and holding off Kenyan rival Mary Moraa, who attempted to overtake her.

Hodgkinson crossed the finish line in 1:56.72, visibly emotional as she celebrated with the crowd, punching the air in triumph and later donning a crown. Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma secured silver with a time of 1:57.15 while Moraa took bronze in 1:57.42. This victory marks Hodgkinson as the third British woman to win the Olympic 800m title and the first since Kelly Holmes achieved it in Athens 20 years ago.

Hodgkinson, a four-time European champion, savored the moment by taking photos and signing autographs. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “I can’t believe I have finally done it!” This win also marked Great Britain’s first Olympic track title since Mo Farah’s 5,000m and 10,000m double at Rio 2016. Hodgkinson is now among only ten British women to have won Olympic athletics gold.

Having been favored for gold due to her status as the world’s fastest woman this year, Hodgkinson’s chances were bolstered by the absence of Athing Mu, the previous Olympic champion. Despite pressure from Moraa, Hodgkinson led from the 300m mark and maintained her position, securing her breakthrough with a powerful final surge. The supportive Paris crowd made the victory even more special for her.

Hodgkinson’s success sets high expectations for her future as she aims to cement her legacy as one of Britain’s greatest athletes.