Keely Hodgkinson's 800m Performance in Olympics

Keely Hodgkinson emerged as the standout star for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, clinching the nation’s only athletics gold in the 800 metres. The 21-year-old, dubbed ‘Queen Keely,’ fulfilled high expectations and followed in the footsteps of Jessica Ennis-Hill, becoming the latest British woman to secure a track and field gold. Team GB celebrated a total of 10 medals, including four silvers and five bronzes, marking their best Olympic athletics performance since 1984. Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s silver in the heptathlon was particularly poignant, as it came after a challenging period of injuries and relocations. The athlete finally reached the podium at her fourth Olympic Games, showcasing resilience. Matthew Hudson-Smith also made headlines, overcoming personal struggles to win silver in the 400 metres, igniting hopes for a stronger performance at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Despite some disappointments, such as Molly Caudery’s unexpected exit from the pole vault heats, there were notable surprises. Emile Cairess achieved the best finish for a British man in the marathon in two decades, while Jacob Fincham-Dukes, who lacks National Lottery funding, impressed as the fifth-best long jumper. Georgia Bell, who recently transitioned from a cybersecurity job, secured bronze in the 1500 metres, highlighting the depth of talent in British athletics. As the Paris Games concluded, World Athletics president Lord Coe praised the emergence of a “golden generation” of athletes, with Noah Lyles leading the charge for the United States, ensuring that athletics remains a focal point as the Olympic torch prepares to move to Los Angeles.