Skip to content

Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic champion forced to withdraw from record attempt after hamstring injury

Keely Hodgkinson was aiming to break Jolanda Ceplak's women's indoor 800m world record, which has stood for 23 years; it remains unclear whether the Olympic champion will take part in the World Indoor Championships in March

Thursday 13 February 2025 18:23, UK

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to pull out of a record attempt after picking up a hamstring injury
Image: Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to pull out of a record attempt after picking up a hamstring injury

Keely Hodgkinson has seen her bid to enter the record books put on hold after the Olympic 800m champion was forced to withdraw from her own event, the Keely Klassic, in Birmingham this weekend due to a hamstring injury.

Hodgkinson felt some soreness on Wednesday following her final training session before the event and a scan has
revealed an issue that means she will not be able to take part.

Hodgkinson was due to race at Birmingham's Utilita Arena on Saturday and was aiming to break Jolanda Ceplak's women's indoor 800m world record, which has stood for 23 years.

"I won't lie, when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear," Hodgkinson said.

"I've worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I'm absolutely gutted that I won't be able to race for the fans, especially after so many bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.

"But this event was never just about me - it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics. That's something I'm committed to for the long term.

Instagram This content is provided by Instagram, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only.
Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once

"I'll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it's an amazing night for the athletes and the fans. I want to help create a real festival atmosphere, engage with as many young people as possible and hopefully
inspire the next generation to fall in love with track and field.

Also See:

"I can't wait to see some incredible performances and I'll be cheering on every athlete who steps on the track."

It remains to be seen when Hodgkinson will be able to compete again but the 22-year-old Briton is hoping to be fit in time for the World Indoor Championships in March.

Hodgkinson claimed Olympic gold in Paris last summer and was then crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December.

Around Sky

Other Sports

Upgrade to Sky Sports

Other Sports

Not got Sky? Get instant access to Sky Sports with NOW