British athletics sensation Keely Hodgkinson is walking a dangerous tightrope that could see her follow in the troubled footsteps of tennis star Emma Raducanu, according to Olympic legend Michael Johnson.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist has issued a stark warning about the immense pressure facing young British stars after witnessing Hodgkinson's recent injury struggles and relentless schedule.
Parallels with Raducanu's Rise and Fall
Johnson draws worrying comparisons between the 22-year-old track star's situation and Raducanu's dramatic career trajectory. The US Open champion's career has been plagued by persistent injury problems since her stunning 2021 triumph, undergoing multiple surgeries and falling down the world rankings.
"We've seen it with Emma Raducanu - the expectation, the pressure, and then the injuries start to mount up," Johnson told the Daily Mail. "Keely is at that critical point where she needs careful management."
Hodgkinson's Injury Battle Intensifies
The middle-distance runner, who claimed Olympic silver in Tokyo, has been grappling with quad problems that forced her to withdraw from recent competitions. Her preparation for upcoming championships has been significantly disrupted, raising concerns about her long-term fitness.
"She's already dealing with injuries at such a young age," Johnson emphasised. "The question becomes: how much can her body withstand? We're talking about an athlete who should be entering her prime, not battling recurring physical issues."
The Relentless Demands of Modern Sport
Johnson highlighted several critical factors contributing to the crisis:
- Non-stop competition schedule across multiple championships
- Intense media scrutiny and public expectation
- Commercial pressures from sponsors and governing bodies
- Limited recovery time between major events
"These young athletes are thrown into the deep end with back-to-back World Championships, Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and Olympic Games," Johnson explained. "There's simply no breathing room."
A Call for Better Athlete Protection
The American track icon, who now works as a BBC pundit, is calling for radical changes in how young sporting talents are managed. He believes governing bodies must implement better protection systems to prevent burnout and extend careers.
"We need to look at the calendar and ask whether it's sustainable," Johnson insisted. "When you see talents like Hodgkinson and Raducanu struggling physically so early in their careers, it's a clear warning sign that something needs to change."
As Hodgkinson continues her battle for fitness ahead of future championships, the sporting world watches with bated breath, hoping Britain's latest track sensation can avoid the injury curse that has haunted so many promising careers.
