Olympic Champ Keely Hodgkinson Eyes 43-Year-Old Record

Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson is setting her sights on one of sport's most elusive achievements: breaking a world record that's stood since 1983.

The 24-year-old British runner says she's in the best shape of her life after crushing the world indoor record in February. Now she's ready to tackle the outdoor 800m mark of 1 minute 53.28 seconds, set by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova over four decades ago.

After an injury-plagued start to 2025, Hodgkinson hasn't missed a single training session during her winter preparation. The Olympic champion from Paris 2024 will test her speed at the Rome Diamond League in June before beginning her record chase in Stockholm and Eugene.

But the big moment could come at London Stadium on July 18, where 60,000 home fans will pack the stands. Her teammate Josh Kerr has already announced he'll attempt the mile world record at the same event, prompting Hodgkinson to joke: "It might be a battle of the world records. Who can get a better one?"

The London venue holds special meaning for Hodgkinson, who ran a British record there just before claiming Olympic gold last year. "I get really excited about London and the crowd," she said. "As a British person, competing there is so much fun."

Why This Inspires

What makes Hodgkinson's quest particularly uplifting is her grounded approach to chasing greatness. After suffering two hamstring tears this year, she's learned that world records can't be forced. "The sport has its own plans sometimes," she acknowledges, showing the wisdom of an athlete who understands that patience and preparation matter more than pressure.

She's also using her platform to advocate for bringing the 2029 World Athletics Championships back to London, despite stadium scheduling complications with West Ham football club. "That would be not only amazing for our sport but also the people watching, inspiring the next generation," Hodgkinson said.

Her passion extends beyond personal glory to building something bigger for British athletics and young runners watching from the stands.

Whether the record falls in July or later at the European Championships in Birmingham, Hodgkinson's journey shows what's possible when talent meets relentless preparation and a champion refuses to let setbacks define her story.