Keely Hodgkinson Smashes British Indoor 800m Record in Stunning Season Opener
In a breathtaking display of speed and stamina, Keely Hodgkinson has obliterated the British indoor 800m record at the UK Indoor Championships in Birmingham. The 23-year-old Olympic champion dominated her heat, clocking an astonishing time of one minute and 56.33 seconds. This remarkable performance not only shattered her own previous national record of 1:57.18 but also stands as the fastest 800m time recorded in 24 years, securing its place as the third quickest in history.
A Strategic Decision Amidst Record-Breaking Form
Despite her phenomenal run, Hodgkinson has announced a surprising decision to withdraw from Sunday's final. The athlete is shifting her focus to the upcoming Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophee in France next week. "I'm in really good shape at the moment," Hodgkinson revealed. "We have some high hopes for the next couple of weeks for the indoors. Today was about practising that first 200m. A good start makes such a difference. I accidentally got the best."
Reflecting on her strategy, she added, "We wanted to practice that, 1.56, not bad. I have high hopes for next week. Considering I didn't have to do both rounds, why would I? It may sound a little bit odd to some people. We came to a mutual agreement and I got a nice time."
Dominant Performance and Personal Resilience
Hodgkinson's race was a masterclass in pacing and power. She blitzed through the opening 200m in 27.36 seconds before reaching the 400m mark in 56.28 seconds, leaving her competitors far behind. This victory holds special significance after a challenging period; Hodgkinson missed last year's event due to a hamstring injury, making her return all the more triumphant.
"I've had my healthiest winter for years, consistent habits and I think that shows it there," she stated. "I'm enjoying it, was excited to come out today, was a bit worried about the one round situation but it's the best thing for me at the moment. I'm not taking any of it for granted to be honest. It was so frustrating being on the sidelines for such a long time. I'm just happy to be able to do an indoors and pick what I'm able to do and have nothing holding me back."
Dina Asher-Smith Claims 60m Crown with Confidence
Elsewhere at the championships, Dina Asher-Smith delivered a commanding performance to win the women's 60m title. The three-time Olympic medallist crossed the line in 7.05 seconds, finishing ahead of World Championship silver medallist Amy Hunt. Following an explosive start, Asher-Smith emerged as the front runner, ultimately cruising home to claim gold.
"I'm happy, I feel very capable and confident," Asher-Smith said. "That's a great time and I'm happy with my performances today. I've learned so much over the past few years. I've been enjoying training in this environment, I've got to be confident and happy in myself as an athlete and as a person and you are seeing that."
Other Notable Performances at the UK Indoor Championships
Amy Hunt, who secured silver in the women's 200m at the World Championships in Tokyo last September, expressed mixed feelings after her second-place finish. "Obviously, it's not nice to lose to one of your biggest rivals, so I'm slightly frustrated," Hunt admitted. "But on the plus side we are getting a lot more consistent. The medals made me into a more confident runner and person. I'm super excited for outdoors."
In the men's events, Jeremiah Azu successfully defended his British indoor title in the 60m final, winning with a time of 6.56 seconds. Romell Glave finished as runner-up in 6.62 seconds. Azu now sets his sights on defending the world indoors title he claimed last year in Poland next month.
Earlier in the day, Molly Caudery reclaimed the women's pole vault crown by clearing a height of 4.65 metres, adding another highlight to an action-packed championship event.
