In a performance that sent a powerful message to her rivals just weeks before the Olympics, Britain's Keely Hodgkinson produced a stunning victory in the women's 800m at the Paris Diamond League meet.
The 22-year-old Olympic silver medallist executed a perfectly timed race to triumph over a formidable field, including reigning world champion Mary Moraa of Kenya and her compatriot, the in-form Nelly Chepchirchir.
A Tactical Masterclass on the Track
Hodgkinson, running in lane five, bided her time expertly as the Kenyan duo took control of the pace early on. With 200 metres to go, the Briton unleashed her characteristically powerful finish, surging past the leaders to cross the line in a time of 1:57.36.
Chepchirchir secured second place with 1:58.56, while the usually explosive Moraa had to settle for third, clocking 1:58.99 in a race that was more about tactical prowess than outright speed.
Perfect Timing for Olympic Preparations
This strategic win is a significant confidence booster for Hodgkinson as she fine-tunes her preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The race served as a crucial rehearsal on the very track where she will bid for gold this summer.
'It was a good run-out,' Hodgkinson remarked afterwards. 'The main thing was to test my body, get a feel for the track, and practise my race execution. It's all about building towards the big one.'
Overcoming Adversity and Setting Sights on Gold
The victory is particularly sweet for the British star, who has faced recent challenges including a quad injury that forced her to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike meet. Her dominant performance in Paris proves she has put those concerns firmly behind her.
With this statement win against her biggest rivals, Hodgkinson has firmly established herself as the athlete to beat when she returns to the French capital for the Olympics. The British sensation appears to be peaking at exactly the right moment in her quest to upgrade her Tokyo silver to Paris gold.
