Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has unveiled a new line of training gear and race shoes in collaboration with Nike, just before she aims for the world record at the London Diamond League meeting on Saturday. The 24-year-old Team GB star announced the Nike x Keely Hodgkinson Collection on Instagram, posting a picture of a golden running shoe and writing: "Dreams coming true. Inspired by what I love to wear in training and what I trust when it's time to lock in. My first collection with @nikerunning out now."
Collection Inspired by Personal Style and Performance
Hodgkinson, who already holds the world indoor record this year, is targeting the outdoor 800m world record set in 1983. She shared images of her new training attire and a throwback to the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she drew on her spikes to make them unique. "This was such a fun process!!! Thank you to Nike for bringing this to life. Such a dream. If you told 10-year-old keels she'd have her own collaborative collection out with Nike, she'd have died. Hope y'all love it as much as I do," she wrote.
Hodgkinson's Input in Design Process
In an interview with Runner's World, Hodgkinson revealed she has been candid with Nike's designers. "I've tried out prototypes and given my feedback – told them if they’re great and told them if they’re s***! And they take it very seriously. It's a privilege to be a part of it – not everyone gets to do that – so I've enjoyed it. And then bringing the fashion side of things in, that's my personality. That's how I get to express myself. We can all look a bit the same when we're racing, so it's nice to have some individuality," she said.
Frustrating Outdoor Season Ahead of London
After winning gold at the World Indoor Championships, Hodgkinson has had a challenging outdoor season, yet to win a Diamond League race this year due to minor injuries, including one from a fall in training. She is expected to be fully fit for the London Stadium, where up to 60,000 fans could watch her race. The women's 800m is scheduled for 3:51pm.
