sport news Keely Hodgkinson has ticked off European indoor 800m gold, now she wants world ... trends now
Before she swapped the track in Istanbul for a sun lounger in Dubai, Keely Hodgkinson was asked about her aims for the outdoor season. Her reply was instant and succinct. ‘To win gold,’ she said. There was no need for a follow-up question.
For Hodgkinson’s only and obvious ambition this summer is to win the 800 metres world title in Budapest. And judging by her wonderful winter, she will have every chance of fulfilling that goal.
In the space of five weeks, she has broken the indoor 600m world record, lowered her own 800m British record and won the 800m at the European Indoors. The latter of those achievements came on Sunday night in Istanbul and it was a four-lap procession, finishing nearly two seconds clear of her nearest rival to defend her title from two years ago.
‘It’s still just as sweet because I like to win - but I guess it’s what I expect of myself now,’ she admitted in an answer which told you everything about how she has soared since that first major medal in 2021.
On Monday, Hodgkinson flew from Istanbul to Dubai for a girls’ holiday to celebrate her 21st birthday. She will return in time for the funeral of her former coach, Joe Galvin, who died last Tuesday and who she dedicated her European victory to on Sunday night.
Keely Hodgkinson has set her sights on winning the 800 metre world title later this year
She has enjoyed huge success this term after breaking the indoor 600m world record
The 21-year-old runner also recently broke her own British record for the 800 metres
But then it will be back to business with a training camp in South Africa, with all roads leading to Budapest in August.
There, she is set for another showdown with 20-year-old American Athing Mu, who beat her at both the Olympics in Tokyo in 2021 and the World Championships in Eugene last year.
‘It’s nice people think it’s a rivalry,’ said Hodgkinson. ‘It’s good to have someone the same age as you out there, doing the same things. Some may see it as pressure but I like it.
‘I really like the challenge and really like thriving in those environments.. She’s a very good athlete and hopefully we can have many years of these battles.’
Hodgkinson has another fierce 800m opponent in Kenyan Mary Moraa, who won world bronze behind her last year and then beat her two weeks later at the
