Keely Hodgkinson Sets Sights on World Gold in Poland After Record-Breaking February
Keely Hodgkinson has expressed her excitement for the upcoming world indoor championships, following her stunning achievement in breaking the women's 800m world record in February. The British athlete, who recently turned 24, is poised to lead her nation's medal hopes at the event in Torun, Poland, this weekend.
British Team Arrives Late Amid GPS Fault, but Hodgkinson Remains Focused
The British squad faced an unexpected delay, arriving at their hotel in Torun late on Wednesday night due to a GPS fault on their plane. However, Hodgkinson, familiar with the venue from her 2021 European indoor championships victory there, is undeterred. "I'm looking forward to it and this last month has been great," she said on the eve of the championships. "I couldn't ask to be in a better position to be honest."
Reflecting on her return to Torun, Hodgkinson aims to channel the fearless attitude of her 19-year-old self. "The track looks a little bit different than it did," she noted. "But I'm embracing my 19-year-old fearless, doesn't think too much, just turns up kind of attitude and it's working for me."
Hodgkinson's Mission to Secure Elusive World Indoor Medal
Despite a glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal in 2024, Hodgkinson has yet to claim a world indoor championship medal, having missed the 2022, 2024, and 2025 events due to injuries. This absence has only fueled her determination. She endured a challenging period with three separate hamstring and back injuries post-Olympics, describing it as "draining on the mind and a lot of frustrations." Yet, she views this time as pivotal, stating, "I learned a lot about myself. I had time off the track to just enjoy my life and just have some chill time. And I think it's made me a better athlete."
Her main rival in the women's 800m is Switzerland's Audrey Werro, aged 21, whose season's best of 1:57.27 trails Hodgkinson's world record of 1:54.87 set in Liévin. The primary challenge for Hodgkinson may be the demanding schedule of three races in three days.
Strong British Contingent Features Multiple Medal Hopefuls
Hodgkinson is not the only standout in a championships boasting nine individual Olympic champions and 11 gold medallists from last year's world championships in Tokyo. The men's 3,000m is anticipated to be a highlight, with Britain's Josh Kerr aiming to reclaim the title he won in Glasgow in 2024. He faces stiff competition from Cole Hocker, who defeated him for 1500m gold at the Paris Olympics, and Yared Nuguse, the bronze medallist in that race. New Zealand's Geordie Beamish, the 2024 indoor 1500m champion and Tokyo steeplechase gold medallist, adds further intrigue.
Georgia Hunter Bell is another strong British medal contender, having posted the world's fastest women's 1500m time this year. She will battle for gold against Australia's Jessica Hull and America's Nikki Hiltz.
Key Races and Events to Watch at the Championships
The championships promise thrilling competition across various events:
- Men's 3000m: A rematch of the 2024 Olympic 1500m final featuring Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, and Yared Nuguse, with Geordie Beamish also in contention.
- Women's 800m: Keely Hodgkinson is the clear favourite, with Switzerland's Audrey Werro expected to challenge and Britain's Isabelle Boffey in medal contention.
- Women's 60m: A showdown between reigning 100m champion Julien Alfred and Italy's Zaynab Dosso, with Britain's Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt also in the mix.
- Men's 800m: American Cooper Lutkenhaus, aged 17, could become the youngest ever world indoor medallist in an open field including Spain's Mohamed Attaoui and Australia's Peter Bol.
- Men's 60m: Britain's reigning champion Jeremiah Azu faces tough competition from US star Jordan Anthony and Jamaican Kishane Thompson.
Other British hopes include Molly Caudery in the women's pole vault, aiming to recapture her 2024 world indoor title form, while Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt compete in the 60m against top-tier opponents. Additional storylines feature the potential for Mondo Duplantis to break his 16th world record in the men's pole vault, ensuring three days of compelling action on the boards.
