Keely Hodgkinson Aims for 800m World Record

Keely Hodgkinson, the newly crowned Olympic champion in the 800 meters, has set her sights on breaking one of athletics' oldest records. The 22-year-old British athlete won gold at the Paris Olympics with a time of 1:56.72, but she is now determined to surpass Czech runner Jarmila Kratochvilova’s long-standing record of 1:53.28, which has remained unbroken for over 40 years. Hodgkinson expressed her ambition, stating, “It’s been a long time since anyone has hit (one minute and) 53 seconds, so I’d love to do that. I think I can.” Hodgkinson's confidence has been bolstered by her recent performance, where she clocked a personal best of 1:54.61 in London earlier this year. She noted that advancements in sports science and technology could play a crucial role in helping athletes approach such formidable records. As she prepares for the upcoming Diamond League final in Brussels on September 13-14, Hodgkinson aims to secure her third title, adding to her European and Olympic golds. Looking ahead, Hodgkinson is also focused on her goal of winning a world championship title, which she has yet to achieve. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing training and recovery, especially after a demanding Olympic campaign. Meanwhile, the National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming event will celebrate Hodgkinson and her fellow athletes, highlighting the £1.5 billion raised for elite sports through lottery funding.