Keely Hodgkinson's world record dreams dashed by injury

In Birmingham, UK, Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson faced a significant setback days ago when she sustained a hamstring tear that forced her to withdraw from her much-anticipated attempt to break the longstanding women’s indoor 800m world record at the inaugural Keely Klassic. This record, held by Slovene athlete Jolanda Ceplak since 2002, stood at 1 minute 55.82 seconds. Hodgkinson, who has showcased remarkable skill in the 800m, expressed her frustration and disappointment after the news of her injury, sharing that she was in the best shape of her life and prepared to break the record. The tear occurred during a training session shortly before the event, and upon receiving a medical scan, it was revealed that it was a moderate grade three tear, which would sideline her for an estimated six weeks. This injury not only jeopardizes her personal goal of breaking the world record but also raises concerns about her participation in the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, taking place in March. After winning gold in the 800m at the Paris Olympics, Hodgkinson had set her sights on accomplishing even greater feats on the track, believing she had the potential to rewrite the record books. The excitement surrounding the Keely Klassic, named in her honor, was palpable, as many fans had anticipated her impressive performance and were inspired by her achievements. Despite the setback, Hodgkinson has committed to being present at the event to show support for her fellow athletes, seeking to uplift the athletic community and inspire young fans eager to join the sport. Her extensive efforts in promoting athletics in the UK have been well-recognized, as she continues to engage with young aspiring athletes, thus emphasizing her commitment to the sport beyond her personal pursuits. As the event went on, it still drew significant attendance, with fans witnessing other notable performances, including those of Olympic medalists Georgia Hunter-Bell and Neil Gourley. While the absence of Hodgkinson, a major draw for the event, created a gap in the star power, the success of her peers highlighted the depth of talent in British athletics. Amidst the community support, Hodgkinson remains optimistic about her recovery and the possibility of returning to competition, suggesting that her career is far from over and that she still has chances to break the record in the future.