Keely Hodgkinson produced a stunning performance to win 800m gold at the Paris Diamond League, claiming Britain's first athletics triumph of the Games. The 22-year-old from Atherton crossed the line in 1 minute 56.72 seconds, finally shedding the silver medal tag that had followed her from Tokyo 2021 and two world championships.
Hodgkinson's victory was a masterclass in tactical racing. After a modest first lap of 58.30 seconds, she held off challenges from world champion Mary Moraa and world indoor champion Tsige Duguma before unleashing a powerful surge with 100 metres to go. Duguma took silver in 1:57.15, while Moraa claimed bronze.
“The first thing you feel is relief, because you work so hard for these four days to go perfectly,” Hodgkinson said. “Then it’s just the excitement after finally something that I’ve had in my head for three years coming together nicely.”
The victory marks a culmination of a journey that began when Hodgkinson watched Jessica Ennis-Hill win heptathlon gold at London 2012. She becomes the third British woman to win Olympic 800m gold, joining Ann Packer (1964) and Kelly Holmes (2004).
Hodgkinson admitted she had a “cheeky look” at the screen to confirm her win. “But now I am the Olympic champion for the next four years and no one can take that away from me,” she added. “The future’s bright. And I am so happy I can bring it home.”
