Keely Hodgkinson is set to compete for her third consecutive European 800m title in Birmingham, aiming to reassert her dominance after a challenging outdoor season. The 24-year-old Olympic champion has enjoyed a stellar 2026, setting a new indoor world record and achieving her first world title. However, she has faced obstacles recently, including a minor injury that forced her to withdraw from the British Championships and a second-place finish to Switzerland’s Audrey Werro in Stockholm.
The competition in Birmingham will be intense, with Werro and Dutch athlete Femke Broeders-Bol presenting significant challenges. Despite the pressure, Hodgkinson remains optimistic about her form and welcomes the high level of competition. She emphasized that while her recent races have been demanding, she is proud of her performance in Stockholm, which resulted in a new British record.
Having recently returned to winning form at the London Diamond League, Hodgkinson is eager to perform before a home audience. She noted that a victory on British soil would hold as much significance as her Olympic gold medal. A podium finish would mark her 12th international medal in six years, further solidifying her remarkable consistency in the sport. While her rivals possess impressive personal bests, Hodgkinson plans to focus on her own race strategy alongside her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows.
