Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion in the women’s 800 meters, is poised for a highly anticipated return to competitive racing after a lengthy hiatus. The 23-year-old British athlete has described her upcoming race as “nerve-wracking,” reflecting the immense pressure and scrutiny that accompany her extraordinary achievements in athletics. Since her victory at the Paris Olympics last summer, Hodgkinson has faced a setback due to a hamstring injury earlier this year which delayed her debut for the current season. This comeback is set to occur at the Diamond League event scheduled in Stockholm on June 15, a pivotal competition that will mark her first race in nearly ten months.
The anticipation surrounding this event is intensified due to the quality of the competition. The women’s 800m race will feature all eight of the world’s top-ranked runners, including notable competitors from Great Britain like Georgia Hunter-Bell and Jemma Reekie. Reflecting on her extended break from racing, Hodgkinson candidly expressed to BBC Sport, “I feel out of practice in a way, because by the time I do race it will be 10 months.” Despite the challenges ahead, she emphasized her excitement for the return to competitive action, noting the tension that comes with competing after having been at the pinnacle of success.
The participating field will also include prominent international figures, such as Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma and Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who secured silver and bronze medals respectively in Paris. The combination of these elite athletes in one race creates an exhilarating atmosphere for fans and competitors alike, as Hodgkinson mentioned her motivation in preparing for the event. She pointed out that the strength of the lineup serves as an incentive for her training over the weeks leading up to the competition, urging her to step up her performance in hopes of coming out on top.
Hodgkinson’s journey back to health has required significant time and patience, particularly following the injury she sustained in February during her final training session before the Keely Klassic, an athletics event she established in Birmingham. Fortunately, she has reported no setbacks since her recovery began. Her primary goal for the 2023 season is to once again claim gold at the World Championships slated for Tokyo in September. Additionally, Hodgkinson has her sights set on breaking the 1:54 barrier in the 800m, a challenge she ardently embraces.
While Hodgkinson is targeting personal and competitive milestones, she has also expressed her ambition to eventually break the long-standing world record of 1:53.28, set in 1983 by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova, although she acknowledges that this goal is likely to be pursued in the coming years rather than immediately. “It’s going to be hard in Tokyo; everyone is going to step it up as they do every year,” Hodgkinson remarked, emphasizing the increasing competitiveness within the sport.
In a lovely culmination of her accomplishments, Hodgkinson recently received her MBE at Windsor Castle, an honor that she described as a “real honor” and a recognition of her contributions to athletics. During her time with Prince William, she shared a light-hearted exchange recalling her Olympic victory, while also noting that the Prince’s children have a keen interest in athletics, suggesting a connection and willingness to support the next generation of athletes.
As Hodgkinson embarks on this new phase of her competitive journey, there is a blend of anxiety and excitement surrounding her return. The upcoming race in Sweden signals not just an opportunity for Hodgkinson to reaffirm her status as a champion but also invites fans and fellow athletes to share in the anticipation of her performance and the potential for further glory on the world stage. With her resolute spirit and the unwavering support of her fans, Hodgkinson appears ready to face both the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.