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Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic Champion on a Quest for Greatness
Geraint Hughes recently had the opportunity to visit Olympic 800m Gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson at her training facility in the picturesque Pyrenees mountains. This exclusive access offers a glimpse into the life of an athlete who has chosen to pursue enduring greatness rather than settle for a fleeting moment of glory.
After achieving Olympic success, many champions might take a step back, but Hodgkinson is focused on her next challenge. Her journey begins in Font-Romeu, a small village situated approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, where she trains alongside a dedicated coaching team, including Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, a former 800m runner known for her 2009 World Championship bronze medal.
Altitude training is a critical part of Hodgkinson’s preparation; the thin air at these heights encourages the body to naturally produce more red blood cells. This physiological adaptation enhances endurance when athletes return to lower altitudes, giving them a competitive edge. As Painter articulates, this method is a well-established practice among elite athletes seeking to boost their performance ahead of the upcoming season.
Setting Ambitious Goals
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Hodgkinson aims to fill her calendar with objectives that reflect her status as an Olympic champion. Reflecting on her momentous win in Paris last August, she confided that she had a strong premonition about her ability to claim the gold. At just 22, Hodgkinson was at the zenith of her physical capabilities, having recently set a new British 800m record.
Hodgkinson was confident that destiny was on her side that night, as she put forth a commanding performance to clinch the gold medal. Her belief in her own potential is evident in her dedication to continuous improvement and greatness.
A Rise to Fame
Hodgkinson’s ascent in the athletics realm began when she won a silver medal in the 800m event at the Tokyo Olympics. At that time, she was relatively unknown outside the UK athletics community, but those in the know recognized her exceptional talent. Following her Olympic success, she secured two World Championship silver medals before finally winning gold, a shift that has markedly altered her life.
“It’s amazing, crazy, the difference between silver and gold,” she described, noting the increased recognition and opportunities that have emerged in her life post-victory. From fashion ventures, which she is passionate about, to an unforgettable moment at Old Trafford, where she was celebrated by Manchester United fans, Hodgkinson is relishing her new role as an ambassador for her sport.
Her family’s lifelong support for Manchester United added to the significance of this occasion, as they rejoiced in her accomplishments while proudly displaying her gold medal.
The Path to Domination
Jenny Meadows believes Hodgkinson has the potential to dominate the 800m event moving forward. “It can’t be silver and bronze anymore,” she stated, expressing confidence in Hodgkinson’s ability to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
Hodgkinson’s race calendar for 2025 features significant events like the European Indoor Championships in the Netherlands and the World Indoor Championships in China, both scheduled for March, culminating in the World Championships in Japan in September. In addition to competing, Hodgkinson and her coaches have outlined plans to target world records, notably in the 800m, which remains a long-standing benchmark in athletics.
While the 800m indoor record seems more achievable, the outdoor record set in 1983 remains a formidable challenge, with Hodgkinson already positioned among the fastest runners in history. Her personal best ranks among the top six fastest 800m times ever recorded, and she has yet to fully tap into her potential.
Despite her rise to the top, Hodgkinson remains grounded, supported by her family and her coaches, who have become like family. They strike a balance between discipline and enjoyment, allowing her life outside of athletics to flourish.
During a recent training session, as she caught her breath after an intense warm-up run, Hodgkinson recounted a light-hearted moment with her coach: she had asked Painter for Sundays off, and he responded that winning an Olympic championship would earn her that privilege.
With her coaches providing structure and support, Hodgkinson is poised to further solidify her legacy as one of Britain’s sporting greats in the upcoming year. As she continues her rigorous training, her journey reflects not just personal ambition but a commitment to excellence that may inspire a new generation of athletes.
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