In a setback for athletics fans, Olympic 800-meter champion Keely Hodgkinson will be taking a six-week hiatus following a hamstring injury. This injury halts her aspirations of breaking the women's indoor 800-meter world record at the upcoming event planned for the weekend. Hodgkinson, a prominent figure in British athletics, disclosed the unfortunate news to fans on Friday.
The 22-year-old athlete, renowned for her remarkable speed and determination, confirmed her injury as a ‘Grade C’ tear during an interview with Sky Sports. Such injuries are notoriously tricky, requiring careful management to ensure a full recovery. As Hodgkinson noted, “Hamstrings are quite temperamental and they're not to be messed with.”
Hodgkinson's next opportunity to showcase her abilities will likely be in the upcoming outdoor season. While this delay is disappointing, she remains optimistic about her recovery timeline. “I'm not going to be ready for a little while, unfortunately. Up to six weeks, it could be quicker, it could be longer, but it shouldn't affect my outdoor season,” she shared.
This unforeseen injury occurred during a training session for the “Keely Klassic,” an event she co-created, which was supposed to see her challenge the longstanding 800-meter indoor world record set by Jolanda Ceplak in 2002. The world indoor championships scheduled for March 21-23 in Nanjing, China, will now proceed without her on the track.
Keely Hodgkinson's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. She captured the world’s attention by clinching the gold medal in the 800 meters at the Paris Olympics, amassing widespread admiration just three years after her silver triumph in Tokyo. Further solidifying her status, Hodgkinson was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2024, a testament to her skill and popularity.
The Manchester-born athlete has also achieved back-to-back silver medals at the world outdoor championships, confirming her position as one of the leading athletes in her category. Her absence from the indoor circuit will be felt, but fans can look forward to her return, bringing hope to British athletics and excitement to racing circuits worldwide.
While recovery is Hodgkinson’s immediate priority, a promising future lies ahead. Her resilience and talent ensure that her return will be met with enthusiasm and support from her global fanbase. As she focuses on rehabilitation, the sporting world anticipates her comeback, eager to witness more of her exceptional feats on the track.
