Keely Hodgkinson: How the British star ended the wait for global gold at Paris 2024

It is a tribute to Hodgkinson’s maturity and character that, even at this stage in her career, she is expected to win every race she enters.

The ‘big three’ have dominated the world podiums of late, but until Monday Hodgkinson was the only one who had yet to triumph.

Mu was the one to beat Hodgkinson in Tokyo, and again by 0.08 seconds at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, before Moraa beat both athletes in 2023 to convert her 2022 bronze into gold.

But that series of near misses has only strengthened Hodgkinson’s determination.

Rather than demoralizing her, it motivated her to continue her pursuit of perfection, earning her her ninth international medal.

Hodgkinson has made little noise since making headlines, breaking the 800m indoor world record for under-20 athletes in early 2021, which had stood for 17 years. She also made her Olympic debut by breaking Kelly Holmes’ 1995 British record.

In Paris, she confirmed her position as gold medal favorite by improving her personal best at the London Diamond League in June to one minute, 54.61 seconds, making her the sixth-fastest woman in history.

After Hodgkinson made herself a golden promise in Budapest, she kept her word in Paris.

“Keely was ready, she had to race smart. It was so exciting, but she delivered,” Denise Lewis said on BBC TV.

“When she hears those words, ‘Olympic champion,’ when she hears them, it’s that feeling, that moment, that will stay in her mind forever.

“It’s that feeling of relief. That feeling is just so sweet, it’s so wonderful.”