Keely Hodgkinson Eyes Oldest Track Record After Comeback

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson says she's closer than ever to breaking the most untouchable record in track and field after bouncing back from a career-threatening injury.

The British runner just shattered the women's indoor 800m world record with a stunning time of 1:54.87 in France. Now she's setting her sights on the outdoor record of 1:53.28, which has stood since 1983, making it the longest-standing world record in all of athletics.

"This is the closest I've felt near it," Hodgkinson told BBC Sport. "I do really believe that we can break it."

The timing makes her comeback even more remarkable. Just months after winning Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, Hodgkinson tore her hamstring and couldn't train at all. The setback forced the 23-year-old to completely rebuild her approach.

"After winning the Olympics, it really wasn't what I thought was going to happen," she said. "It makes you stop and strip back everything."

Why This Inspires

Hodgkinson's journey back shows how adversity can fuel greatness. Her coach believes Thursday's record-breaking run could have been a full second faster, meaning she's already within striking distance of the outdoor mark.

During her darkest recovery days, teammates dubbed her "Keely 2.0" for her mental transformation. Her coach even bought her a forty-kilogram Himalayan salt lamp to lift her spirits during unpredictable mood swings.

"I became a stronger person, and I think this is now the reward of all of that happening," Hodgkinson said.

She credits her healthiest winter training in years for her current form. World Athletics president Lord Coe believes she'll break the outdoor record in 2026, potentially at a race in London, where she loves competing in front of home crowds.

"My coach did say two years ago that 2026 will be a good year," she smiled.

Despite all the injury setbacks, Hodgkinson still calls 2025 "my best year" because she learned there's more to life than her career. That perspective, combined with her physical recovery, has created an athlete who's both mentally tougher and physically stronger than before.

Next up is March's World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, where she'll be the favorite for gold. Hodgkinson will cement her legacy as one of athletics' all-time greats.