Team GB's golden girl Keely Hodgkinson has revealed the heartbreaking reality behind Olympic glory as her parents may miss her Paris 2024 title defence due to eye-watering accommodation costs.
The 21-year-old athletics sensation, who stormed to silver in Tokyo and claimed World Championship gold, faces the prospect of competing without her biggest supporters in the stands as hotel prices around the French capital skyrocket during the Games.
The Shocking Price of Support
"It's really expensive," Hodgkinson confessed, her voice tinged with disappointment. "My parents are looking at hotels and they're like, 'We might not be able to go.' That's how expensive it is."
The Wigan-born star's revelation highlights the hidden financial burdens facing athletes' families, with some Paris hotels demanding over £1,000 per night during the Olympic period.
From Tokyo Silver to Paris Gold Hunt
Hodgkinson burst onto the global stage at just 19 years old, delivering one of Team GB's most memorable performances at the delayed Tokyo Olympics. Her blistering 800m run captured the nation's heart and announced her as Britain's next track superstar.
Since that breakthrough moment, she's dominated the circuit, adding World Championship gold and European titles to her growing collection, establishing herself as Britain's best medal hope in Paris.
The Family Foundation
For Hodgkinson, family support isn't just nice to have - it's been fundamental to her success. Her parents have been ever-present throughout her journey, from early morning training sessions to championship finals across the globe.
"Having them there means everything," she explained. "They've been with me every step of the way since I started running. To potentially compete in the biggest race of my life without them watching live is really tough."
Broader Implications for Olympic Sport
This situation isn't unique to Hodgkinson's family. Many British athletes face similar challenges as accommodation costs in host cities become increasingly prohibitive for ordinary supporters.
The issue raises questions about accessibility and whether the Olympic movement is pricing out the very people who form the foundation of athletes' support networks.
As Hodgkinson prepares to defend her nation's honour in Paris, she carries not only medal expectations but the hope that her family can somehow be there to witness what could be her golden moment.
