Keely Hodgkinson claimed her first world title in dominant fashion at the World Indoor Championships in Torun, setting a championship record of 1:58.40 in the 800m final. The 24-year-old Briton, who had already broken the world indoor record earlier this season, overcame a kit mishap earlier in the week to secure gold.
Hodgkinson revealed that her preparations were disrupted when KLM lost her kit for 48 hours on the flight to Poland, forcing her to borrow spikes from a Polish athlete, which caused a blister. However, she cruised through the heats and semi-finals before delivering a commanding performance in the final.
“Obviously I want to get gold. I won’t be happy with anything else,” Hodgkinson said after her heat. “I’ve had a season so far that’s been amazing, let’s hope it continues.” She also expressed relief at finally competing at the World Indoors after missing three previous editions through injury.
Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who had been considered Hodgkinson’s main rival, took silver in 1:59.42, while Britain’s Isabelle Boffey finished fifth. In the men’s 800m, Britain’s Ben Pattison advanced to the semi-finals, as did American teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus.
Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the first gold of the championships in the high jump with 2.01m, wearing blue and yellow eye makeup to highlight Russia’s aggression. “I need to show the whole world that I’m from Ukraine and I protect my country on track,” she said.
