Hodgkinson on the Cusp of Athletics History: Targeting Longest-Standing Outdoor Record
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson is feeling more confident than ever about her chances of shattering the women’s 800-metre outdoor world record, a mark that has stood as athletics’ most enduring benchmark for decades. The current record, a blistering 1 minute 53.28 seconds, was set by Jarmila Kratochvílová in Munich back in July 1983. However, Britain’s rising star, Hodgkinson, who recently rewrote the indoor record books, firmly believes she is on the verge of surpassing Kratochvílová’s legendary time and etching her name into the annals of sporting greatness.
“It’s certainly not an easy feat, and there’s a very good reason why it has remained unbroken for so long,” Hodgkinson shared. “But I genuinely feel closer to it now than I ever have before. I truly believe we can break it, but a lot of elements need to align perfectly.”
Her recent performance in Liévin, France, was nothing short of spectacular. Hodgkinson clocked an astonishing 1:54.87 to obliterate the previous indoor world record, a mark that had stood since March 3, 2002 – the very day the British athlete was born. Her coach, Jenny Meadows, even suggested that the time could have been even faster, potentially by as much as a full second, hinting at Hodgkinson’s even greater potential.
“I’ve known for weeks that I’m capable of breaking it. It’s simply a matter of executing on the day,” Hodgkinson stated confidently. “We can push it even further in the future, provided I can stay healthy. I really hope this is just the beginning of what’s to come.”
This remarkable achievement comes after a challenging period for the 23-year-old. Following her triumphant Olympic gold medal victory at the Paris Games in 2024, Hodgkinson faced a significant setback. A torn hamstring, sustained just a few months after her Olympic triumph, left her unable to train for an extended period. Her journey back to peak fitness has been a testament to her resilience and dedication.
“After winning the Olympics, it really wasn’t what I expected was going to happen,” she reflected. “It forces you to stop, re-evaluate everything, and ask yourself why this is happening and what the underlying issues are. But we got through it, I emerged a stronger person, and I believe this current success is the direct reward for navigating all of that.”
On the Right Path to Greatness
While Hodgkinson acknowledges that breaking Kratochvílová’s formidable record will require a confluence of factors, her recent performances have left many in the athletics community convinced that it is only a matter of time. Lord Coe, the President of World Athletics, has publicly expressed his belief that Hodgkinson will achieve this historic feat within the current year.
It’s worth noting that Kratochvílová’s record has, at times, been subject to speculation regarding performance-enhancing substances during the era in which she competed, allegations she has consistently and vehemently denied. Regardless, her time remains more than a second faster than Hodgkinson’s current personal best of 1:54.61, a national record she set in London in 2024.
“We are definitely on the right path, and our training has provided us with concrete evidence that we believe it’s possible,” Hodgkinson affirmed. “I think the reason this year has been so successful for me is largely down to having my healthiest winter training period in years.”
Although the specific race where Hodgkinson and her team might target a record attempt remains under wraps, she has expressed a strong desire to deliver a significant performance in London. “My coach did mention two years ago that 2026 would be a pivotal year for me,” she revealed. “London holds a very special place in my heart. There would be nothing I’d love more than to achieve something like this in front of a home crowd.”
2025: A Year of Resilience and Rebirth
The past twelve months have undoubtedly been an emotional rollercoaster for Hodgkinson. Despite grappling with numerous injury setbacks, she secured a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships in September, with her training partner Georgia Hunter Bell clinching the silver. Nevertheless, Hodgkinson still regards 2025 as “my best year” overall.
“I still had a good time – my entire identity isn’t solely defined by my job,” she explained. “There’s so much more to life outside of my athletic career.” During her rehabilitation, Hodgkinson’s teammates affectionately nicknamed her ‘Keely 2.0,’ a nod to her reinvention and her remarkable ability to bounce back stronger. Her coach, Trevor Painter, even gifted her a large Himalayan salt lamp, which she jokingly attributes to “sending happy vibes.”
“He said my moods were unpredictable last year,” she quipped. “It’s supposed to calm the energy in the atmosphere. It weighs about forty kilograms, so imagine me trying to carry it up the stairs! But I genuinely think it worked!”
A New Challenger Emerges
Before the focus shifts entirely to the outdoor season, Hodgkinson will be a strong favourite at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland in March. On the outdoor circuit, however, she can expect a formidable new rival to line up alongside her. In October, two-time 400m hurdles world champion Femke Bol announced her intention to step up to the 800m. Earlier this month, the Dutch superstar made a winning debut over the distance in Metz, France, setting a national record of 1:59.07.
“Femke and I are really good friends,” Hodgkinson commented. “We’ve essentially grown up competing together over the years. Femke is an incredibly talented athlete, but I also know what it takes to run the 800m at this elite level. Give her some time, and she’ll get there.” When questioned about the potential for a rivalry, Hodgkinson was measured. “I wouldn’t call it a rivalry at this moment, but she’s a strong competitor, and she’ll reach her potential when she’s ready.”
How Hodgkinson Smashed a 23-Year-Old Indoor World Record
Hodgkinson’s recent triumph saw her shatter the women’s indoor 800m world record, a remarkable feat achieved in Liévin, France. The previous record had stood for over two decades, highlighting the significance of her performance. Her coach, Jenny Meadows, indicated that the conditions and pacing allowed for a potentially faster time, underscoring Hodgkinson’s exceptional form. The athlete’s dedication to her training, particularly her healthiest winter preparation in years, has been a key factor in her recent success. This indoor record-breaking performance serves as a powerful indicator of her potential to challenge the even more elusive outdoor world record.
