Keely Hodgkinson Eyes World Record After Shattering UK Mark

Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson just delivered a jaw-dropping performance that has the running world buzzing about what might come next.

The 23-year-old British runner shattered her own national record at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham on Saturday, finishing the 800m heats in 1:56.33. She beat her previous best by nearly a full second and crossed the line nine seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

The time marks the fastest women's indoor 800m in 24 years and the third-fastest in history. Only two other women have ever run faster indoors.

Hodgkinson, who won Olympic gold in 2024, hadn't competed indoors in three years. She only entered to qualify for next month's World Championships in Poland and skipped Sunday's final to prepare for a race in France this Thursday.

"We didn't set out to run a world lead, but I started well and just kept it going," she said after the race. "It was a nice surprise."

Why This Inspires

What makes this moment special isn't just the stunning time. It's Hodgkinson's bold confidence about what comes next.

When asked about targeting Jolanda Ceplak's world record of 1:55.82 from 2002, Hodgkinson didn't hesitate. "I have been very vocal in the past about wanting to get it," she said. "I feel like it is my record to break. We'll give it a good go."

That kind of self-belief, backed by world-class performance, shows what's possible when talent meets determination. Hodgkinson isn't just chasing records. She's redefining what British middle-distance running can achieve.

The Birmingham event also saw impressive performances from other British athletes. Dina Asher-Smith claimed the women's 60m title in 7.05 seconds, setting a new championship record at age 30.

World indoor champion Jeremiah Azu retained his men's 60m title with a season's best 6.56 seconds. The day proved that British track and field is thriving across multiple events.

For Hodgkinson, the world record attempt will likely come later this season. But Saturday's performance proved she has the speed to make history.