Keely Hodgkinson ended her three-year skid of silver medals at the Stade de France by winning the gold medal in the 800 meters with an incredible show of resilience and perseverance. The 22-year-old from Atherton watched the enormous screen closely as she approached the gold medal to make sure that no unforeseen events could ruin her chances of winning. But she was unstoppable this time.
As Hodgkinson crossed the finish line, she celebrated with a triumphant fist pump and a roar that seemed to wash away years of intense pressure and anticipation. This victory marked Britain’s first track and field medal of the Games, and the relief was evident. “The first emotion is relief, knowing that all the hard work over these few days has paid off,” Hodgkinson shared. “Then it’s pure excitement to see everything I’ve envisioned over the last three years come together.”
The path to this victory wasn’t easy. After returning from the Tokyo Olympics and subsequent world championships with three silver medals, Hodgkinson could have felt disheartened. Instead, these near-misses fueled her determination to achieve greatness.
As the final stretch approached, Hodgkinson faced stiff competition from several rivals, including world champion Mary Moraa, world indoor champion Tsige Duguma, and Shafiqua Maloney from St Vincent. But Hodgkinson was prepared. With 100 meters remaining, she surged ahead with a powerful finish, clocking in at 1:56.72. Duguma finished second with 1:57.15, while Moraa took third.
“I took a quick look at the screen to confirm it,” Hodgkinson admitted. “Being the Olympic champion for the next four years is incredible. No one can take that away from me, and I’m thrilled to bring this medal home.”
Hodgkinson’s approach was unexpected. While many anticipated a slower race might favor her competitors, Hodgkinson’s confidence was unshakable. Before the Games, she had a standout workout, which reassured her that she was in peak form.
Deciding to take the lead after 300 meters, Hodgkinson maintained a steady pace through the halfway mark at 58.30 seconds before accelerating to secure her victory. “I aimed to be at the front and push the pace more,” she explained. “Competing in both the semi-final and final back-to-back is challenging, so I conserved my energy for the final 100 meters. I trusted my training and stayed focused.”
With this win, Hodgkinson joins the ranks of British 800m Olympic champions, alongside Ann Packer (1964) and Kelly Holmes (2004). Her journey from watching Jessica Ennis-Hill win gold at London 2012 to achieving her own Olympic glory highlights her extraordinary progress and resilience.
Reflecting on her achievement, Hodgkinson said, “Navigating the pressure and delivering on this stage is everything. I’m overjoyed and might have a hard time sleeping tonight.”
Hodgkinson’s victory is not just a personal milestone but also a moment of national pride. Her distinctive personality and style, evident from her appearance at the Team GB training camp, add to her charm and presence. As she revels in her success, hopes are high that this gold medal will elevate her to new heights in the world of sports.
