Keely Hodgkinson Sets Record in 800m at London Diamond League

Keely Hodgkinson Sets Record in 800m at London Diamond League On July 20, 2024, during the London Diamond League event, Keely Hodgkinson achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new national record in the women’s 800 meters. She clocked an impressive time of 1:54.61, which not only established a new British record but also marked the fastest time in the world for the year. This performance significantly improved her previous best of 1:55.19, moving her up to sixth place on the all-time world rankings for this distance. Hodgkinson’s victory was particularly noteworthy as it came just days before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she is expected to be one of Great Britain’s key medal contenders. The atmosphere at the London Stadium was electric, with nearly 60,000 fans cheering her on, creating an environment that Hodgkinson described as motivating and exhilarating. In this race, Hodgkinson took control after the first lap and maintained her lead through to the finish line. Her performance not only showcased her physical capabilities but also her mental strength and readiness for the upcoming Olympic Games. Following closely behind her were fellow British athletes Jemma Reekie and Georgia Bell, who also set personal bests of 1:55.61 and 1:56.28, respectively. Hodgkinson expressed her excitement about breaking the record and emphasized her focus on maintaining this momentum leading into Paris. She acknowledged that while she has previously secured silver medals at global championships, she is now determined to convert those experiences into gold at the Olympics. This achievement places Hodgkinson among elite company in middle-distance running, as she aims to challenge long-standing records and secure her place as one of the top competitors in her sport.