Keely Hodgkinson Aims for Glory at World Athletics Indoor Championships

Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic champion and holder of the women's indoor 800m world record, is set to lead Great Britain's squad at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, from March 20 to 22, 2024. This event marks Hodgkinson's debut at the World Indoor Championships, where she aims to secure her first world indoor title.

BBC NewsKeely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

Hodgkinson recently achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the long-standing indoor 800m world record with a time of 1:54.87 during the 2026 Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais in Liévin, France. Additionally, she set a new personal best in the 400m with a time of 51.49 seconds at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, surpassing her previous indoor best of 52.42 seconds. This performance is notable as it is faster than her outdoor best of 51.61 seconds.

Keely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

While Hodgkinson is primarily focused on the 800m event, she is also a potential candidate for the British 4x400m relay team. However, this presents a logistical challenge, as the relay final is scheduled just 45 minutes after the women's 800m final on the last day of competition. Hodgkinson is also eyeing the outdoor 800m world record of 1:53.28, set by Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983, which is the longest-standing record in athletics.

Keely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

Hodgkinson's journey to the top has been marked by a series of near-misses at major competitions. After securing silver medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 Eugene World Championships, and the 2023 Budapest World Championships, she finally clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Her rivalry with American athlete Athing Mu, who won gold in Tokyo, has been a significant aspect of her career.

Keely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

The landscape of women's middle-distance running is evolving, with new contenders emerging. Dutch athlete Femke Bol has recently transitioned to the 800m, clocking a debut time of 1:59.07. While this time does not yet match Hodgkinson's best, Bol's entry into the event adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition.

Keely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

Hodgkinson expressed her excitement about competing in her first World Indoor Championships, stating, “I’m looking forward to the challenge and hope to deliver a strong performance.” The British Athletics team has high hopes for Hodgkinson, emphasizing her potential to excel in both the 800m and the relay.

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Despite her achievements, Hodgkinson faces skepticism regarding the integrity of historical records, particularly the outdoor 800m record held since 1983, which has been subject to allegations of doping. This context adds a layer of complexity to her pursuit of breaking it.

Keely Hodgkinson may race the 4x400m relay at World Indoors, but has her sites focused on the outudoor 800m world record

As Hodgkinson prepares for the World Indoor Championships, her performances will be closely watched, particularly as she aims to solidify her status as one of the leading figures in women's athletics. The outcomes in Torun could significantly impact her trajectory heading into the outdoor season.

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