In a significant blow to her early season preparations, British athletics sensation Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to withdraw from this weekend's New York Grand Prix due to an untimely injury.
The 22-year-old Olympic silver medallist, widely regarded as one of Britain's brightest gold medal prospects for Paris 2024, sustained the setback during training, compelling her team to take a cautious approach.
Devastating Timing for British Star
The injury comes at a particularly frustrating moment for Hodgkinson, who was scheduled to compete in the women's 800m at the Icahn Stadium on Sunday. This event was meant to be a key test in her build-up towards defending her European title and preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games.
"We're obviously disappointed," a spokesperson for the multiple European and Commonwealth champion confirmed. "Keely picked up a minor injury in training and as a precaution, we've decided to withdraw her from this weekend's event."
Road to Paris 2024 Hits Temporary Hurdle
Hodgkinson's withdrawal represents more than just a missed race opportunity. The New York meeting was seen as crucial preparation ahead of next month's UK Athletics Championships in Manchester, which will serve as the primary selection event for British athletes hoping to compete at the Paris Olympics.
The young athlete from Leigh has been in formidable form in recent seasons, consistently challenging the world's best in her discipline. Her absence from the starting line in New York will be keenly felt by athletics enthusiasts who have followed her rapid ascent to global prominence.
What This Means for British Athletics
Hodgkinson's injury raises concerns about the preparation timeline for one of Team GB's most reliable medal hopes. The middle-distance star has been a consistent performer on the world stage since her breakthrough silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Medical staff and coaching team are now focused on ensuring Hodgkinson makes a full recovery before the critical competitions ahead. The athletics community will be watching closely for updates on her fitness ahead of the Manchester championships and the subsequent Olympic selection process.
