Sir Alex Ferguson praises Keely Hodgkinson for her Olympic gold victory
- Keely Hodgkinson won gold in the 800 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making her the first British woman to do so since 2004.
- She has been named the favorite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, ahead of a shortlist that includes Luke Littler and Alex Yee.
- With growing recognition, Hodgkinson’s triumph not only reflects personal achievement but also enhances her status as a role model in British athletics.
In the United Kingdom, Keely Hodgkinson, an Olympic gold medalist in the 800 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has emerged as the frontrunner for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The young athlete made history by becoming the first British woman since Kelly Holmes in 2004 to win gold in this event. Following her success, she has gained significant recognition and is currently priced at 1/3 by Sky Bet as the favorite for the prestigious award to be announced on December 17. This reflects her prominent position within British sports after a remarkable performance at the Olympics. Following her Olympic victory, Hodgkinson not only celebrated her athletic achievement but also received a heartfelt message from Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former manager of Manchester United. Hodgkinson, a lifelong supporter of the club, shared her experience of meeting Ferguson, highlighting his wise remark about the significance of her accomplishment. The advice given by Ferguson has resonated with Hodgkinson, as it emphasizes the value of reflection over time. The BBC has revealed a shortlist of six candidates for the Sports Personality of the Year, with Hodgkinson significantly leading the pack. Luke Littler, a 17-year-old darts sensation, stands as the second favorite with odds of 9/4 following his impressive performances in darts. The remaining contenders include Alex Yee, Jude Bellingham, Joe Root, and Sarah Storey, who are all considered outsiders at 50/1, 66/1, and 80/1, respectively. This showcases Hodgkinson's dominance in the current landscape of British sports. Hodgkinson's recent success has markedly changed her public profile, with more fans recognizing her in everyday life, illustrating the impact of her gold medal victory. The attention she is receiving serves as an affirmation of her hard work and dedication to athletics. As the award ceremony approaches, the anticipation grows for who will ultimately be honored with the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year, with Hodgkinson seen as a frontrunner who has sparked inspiration among aspiring athletes, particularly young girls in the sport.