Keely Hodgkinson, the British middle-distance runner, is gearing up for an explosive start to her outdoor season at the Paris Diamond League event. With an impressive track record as an Olympic and world silver medallist, Hodgkinson is set to compete in the 800m race at Charlety Stadium on Friday, marking the beginning of her preparations for the upcoming World Championships, which are just 10 weeks away.
Having successfully defended her European indoor title earlier this year, Hodgkinson is looking forward to showcasing her talent on the outdoor stage. Despite a slightly delayed start to her season, she emphasizes that it was a strategic decision to ensure she is fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Confident and in good form, she shares her excitement, stating, “Hopefully I can put on a good show. I’m feeling good, training has been going really well. I’m ready to kick off the season and start it with a bang.”
During the winter season, the 21-year-old athlete was in exceptional form, breaking her own British 800m record and even setting a women’s 600m world record. As she looks ahead, her ultimate goal is to upgrade her world silver to gold in Budapest, following a narrow defeat by American Athing Mu last summer in Eugene. Reflecting on her achievements, Hodgkinson humbly acknowledges her past success, saying, “I forget [the 600m world record] even happened this year, it feels so long ago. But it was a great marker to get down.”
With her sights firmly set on the upcoming championships, Hodgkinson expresses her dedication and determination. She believes she has worked even harder this year, and along with her team, they are pushing their limits to achieve something extraordinary. She eagerly anticipates reaching her peak form by the end of the summer and aims to deliver exceptional performances on the track. In the meantime, she remains focused on putting in the necessary work.
In the Paris Diamond League field, Hodgkinson holds the second-fastest personal best time of one minute 55.88 seconds, just behind American Ajee Wilson’s time of 1:55.61. Alongside her, fellow Briton and 2019 gold medallist Dina Asher-Smith will compete in the 200m event, seeking to bounce back after a recent setback due to cramping. However, men’s 1500m world champion Jake Wightman has withdrawn from the meet to continue his recovery from injury.
The Paris Diamond League boasts an array of star athletes, including Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who will attempt to break the men’s two-mile world record. Additionally, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder in the women’s 400m hurdles, will test her skills in the flat event. As for the women’s 5,000m race, it promises an exciting showdown between Faith Kipyegon, fresh off breaking the women’s 1500m record in Florence, and Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia, the record holder in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and half-marathon distances.
In the highly anticipated men’s 200m event, Olympic 100m champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs will return to action after recovering from a back problem that forced him to withdraw from previous Diamond League meets. Jacobs will face strong competition from American world champion Noah Lyles and Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, fueling speculation about a budding rivalry.
As Keely Hodgkinson looks forward to making her mark in the outdoor season, the stage is set for an electrifying display of athletic prowess at the Paris Diamond League.
5 comments
Keely Hodgkinson is ready to rock the Paris Diamond League with a bang! Can’t wait to see her in action. She’s a true champ, defending her Euro indoor title like a boss. Bring on the outdoor season!
Keely Hodgkinson is all set for the Paris Diamond League. She’s an Olympic and world silver medallist, and she’s gonna race over 800m at Charlety Stadium. Can’t wait to watch her burn up the track!
Keely Hodgkinson is a force to be reckoned with. Her European indoor title defense was incredible, and now she’s ready to dominate the outdoor season. Let’s go, Keely!
Keely Hodgkinson is gonna start her outdoor season with a bang at the Paris Diamond League. She’s got that Olympic and world silver bling, and now she’s hungry for more. Keep shining, Keely!
Keely Hodgkinson is on fire! Her European indoor title win was mind-blowing, and now she’s gonna tear up the track at the Paris Diamond League. Can’t wait to witness her speed and determination!