Keely Hodgkinson Embraces a 'Fresh Era' with Transformed Training and Physique
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson is undergoing a significant transformation both on and off the track, as she opens up about entering a "fresh era" in her career. The British athletics star, who shattered the 800m indoor world record in Lievin last month, has adopted a new training regime that includes cycling and has increased her weight, adding muscle mass to her frame.
A New Training Approach to Overcome Injuries
Hodgkinson's journey since winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics has not been without challenges. Her 2025 campaign was disrupted by a hamstring tear in May, which stemmed from a lower back problem. Following her return to competition, she had to settle for bronze at the World Championship in Tokyo, a creditable performance given her injury issues.
In an effort to prevent further fitness setbacks, Hodgkinson has incorporated cycling into her training regimen. She told The Times: "I've gained a bit of muscle mass. I'm actually up to 60kg. In Paris, I was sitting at 54." This represents a notable increase from her Olympic weight, highlighting her commitment to building strength and resilience.
Mastering the Bike and Embracing Change
The transition to cycling has not been entirely smooth, with Hodgkinson experiencing several tumbles while learning to unclip. She admitted: "I probably fell off seven or eight times. But I've mastered it now." Her interest in cycling began during a holiday in LA in the off-season and was further developed at a training camp in South Africa.
She has since bought a bike and uses Zwift, an indoor cycling app, planning to have a dedicated Zwift room in her new flat in central Manchester. Previously living in nearby Salford, Hodgkinson explained: "I feel like I’m in a bit of a fresh era in my life. I wasn't ready for the house in Cheshire. That gives me too much of a marriage and kids kind of vibe. I'm only 23 and still want to live the city life."
Focus on Happiness and Record-Breaking Ambitions
Hodgkinson emphasized the importance of internal happiness, stating: "I learnt last year that internal happiness has to come before anything else, and I feel the most enthusiastic and happiest about training and racing since I was 19. And when I'm like that, you see the best of me." This renewed mindset has contributed to her increased confidence and performance.
Looking ahead, Hodgkinson has set her sights on breaking the outdoor 800m world record, which has stood since 1983. She told the BBC: "I think the outdoor record would be cemented GOAT [greatest of all time]. It's stood for a long time and been a long time since anyone's been able to get near it. I do think it's possible. It's a difficult record and a reason why it has stood for 40-odd years." Achieving this would solidify her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
With her new training methods, increased muscle mass, and positive outlook, Keely Hodgkinson is poised to make waves in the athletics world as she continues to evolve both as an athlete and an individual.
