Keely Hodgkinson has spoken ahead of her 400 metres Diamond League debut in Rome, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete against the world's best. The 24-year-old Team GB star, who won Olympic gold in the 800m at Paris 2024 and silver at Tokyo 2020, said she feels privileged to be on the start line.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Hodgkinson said: 'I am really excited for tomorrow. I am grateful to have the opportunity to race some of the best girls in the world. I am very privileged to be on that start line with them, so I am hoping they pull something great out of me.'
Her comments come after World Athletics president Sebastian Coe praised her authenticity. Coe, 69, told The Sports Agents podcast: 'I love Keely because you will only get authenticity. There's none of this "Oh, I'll see how I feel tomorrow" or "One match at a time" - she absolutely tells it as it is.'
Hodgkinson shattered the indoor world record over 800m in February and is using Thursday's race as preparation for sustaining her dominance in her preferred event. She added: 'I am genuinely in a place in my life where I have everything that I can want. I am happy, I love what I do. I wake up and go to work every day, I just love it.'
The Mancunian athlete's humble character was highlighted by Coe, who described her as a 'breath of fresh air' and the most genuine person he knows. He recalled running into Hodgkinson during her birthday celebrations as an example of her grounded nature.
