Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who celebrated her stellar victory at the Paris Olympics last summer, is gearing up for an emotional return to competitive racing. The athlete, who has garnered widespread acclaim for her achievements, acknowledges that the anticipation of competing again is both exhilarating and daunting. Her first race since claiming Olympic glory will take place at the prestigious Diamond League event in Stockholm, scheduled for June 15. This occasion marks a significant milestone for Hodgkinson as it has been a lengthy hiatus since her last performance on the track at the iconic Stade de France.
Initially, Hodgkinson had set her sights on breaking the women’s 800m indoor world record at her own event dubbed the “Keely Klassic” in February. However, a hamstring injury forced her to withdraw from this highly anticipated competition. In discussions with BBC Sport, she expressed a sense of unease, stating, “I feel out of practice in a way, because by the time I do race it will be 10 months [since my last]”. Despite this apprehension, she clarified that such challenges are familiar territory. She also emphasized that, while the prospect of returning to competition is nerve-wracking, she is ultimately excited to race again.
A notable highlight of Hodgkinson’s recent accolades includes receiving an MBE from the Prince of Wales for her contributions to athletics, further cementing her status as one of the country’s elite athletes. As she prepares for her comeback, she faces an impressive lineup at her return event, with all eight of the world’s top-ranked 800m women slated to compete. Among Hodgkinson’s competitors are British athletes Georgia Hunter-Bell and Jemma Reekie, along with Olympic silver and bronze medallists Tsige Duguma and Mary Moraa. Despite the high stakes and exceptional talent at the Diamond League event, Hodgkinson has expressed that she is undeterred by the formidable challenges awaiting her.
“The line-up was the perfect motivation that I needed for the next six weeks,” Hodgkinson said, acknowledging the added pressure of competing against top-tier athletes. She shared her mixed feelings about stepping back onto the track after such a prolonged absence but concluded that having strong competitors is invigorating and inspiring. “It’s going to be a hard race; we want to come out on top,” she fervently added, ensuring her fans that she is putting in significant effort in her training as she anticipates not only her initial race but also subsequent competitions.
Looking ahead, Hodgkinson remains focused on her aspirations for the year, specifically targeting World Championship success in Tokyo and setting her sights on breaking the long-standing women’s 800m world record, which is currently held by the legendary Jarmila Kratochvilova at a staggering time of 1:53:28 set back in 1983. Hodgkinson acknowledged the challenges present in the competitive landscape, noting, “The standard just gets higher and higher,” which intensifies the quest for excellence in the sport.
Moreover, she highlighted the importance of shattering the enigmatic 1:54 barrier, demonstrating her ambitions to elevate her performance and push the limits of what athletes can achieve in middle-distance racing. “The main aim would be to win gold, and whatever [time] that comes with would be amazing. Titles last forever,” Hodgkinson asserted, encapsulating her forward-focused mindset as she strives for greatness. As the world awaits her return, optimism and excitement fill the air, signaling that Hodgkinson’s journey back to the track is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of glory. The sporting community eagerly anticipates the new chapter in her athletic career, believing that she has much more to accomplish in the realm of athletics.