Keely Hodgkinson delivered a stunning performance that left even herself astonished, clocking the fastest split in the 4x400m relay less than an hour after securing 800m gold at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland.
Double Duty Delivers Surprise
Olympic champion Hodgkinson claimed her first world title with a dominant run in the 800 metres in Torun, showcasing her prowess in her favoured event. However, it was her subsequent effort in the relay that truly turned heads.
With the British squad facing a shortage of 400m specialists, Hodgkinson joined an unconventional quartet alongside sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, Tess McHugh, and Louisa Stoney. The team ultimately finished fifth in the relay event.
Blistering Split Stuns Athlete
Asher-Smith, who had competed in the 60m final, posted a strong time of 51.29 seconds for her leg. Hodgkinson, not typically known as a 400m runner, then produced something extraordinary.
She clocked an astonishing 50.10 seconds for her split, the fastest of the entire race. Her explosive start saw her reach 200 metres in just 23.4 seconds, a pace that left the athlete herself taken aback.
"Sometimes I surprise myself," the 24-year-old posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, reflecting on her unexpected performance.
Championship Conclusions
The women's 4x400m relay was won by the United States, marking their sixth victory in the last nine editions of the World Indoor Championships. The Netherlands secured the silver medal, while the Spanish quartet narrowly edged out Poland for bronze in the final event of the championships.
Hodgkinson's remarkable double achievement highlights her exceptional form and versatility, demonstrating that even established champions can deliver surprising performances when stepping outside their usual disciplines.
