Keely Hodgkinson's BBC interview was interrupted by an 800m rival during the European Athletics Championships. The 24-year-old came first in her heat on Tuesday with a time of 1:57, and Italy's Eloisa Coiro was quick to heap praise on her afterwards.
Rival's Praise Interrupts Interview
Coiro came in second and was just a few metres behind the Brit, setting a new national record in the process. The duo, who have competed against each other through the years, interacted on the track, but that wasn't enough for Coiro, who chose to speak with Hodgkinson again just as she was about to answer the opening question from BBC interviewer Sarah Mulkerrins.
She said: "She is such an inspiration. Such a cool girl. Such an inspiration, on and off the track, really." Coiro then switched her focus onto Hodgkinson and stated: "You're the champion for me," with the Atherton-born runner giggling at her rival's remarks.
Hodgkinson's Response
"Aw, bless her," Hodgkinson responded. "We grew up competing against each other, so it's nice. She just got a PB as well there." The 24-year-old subsequently returned to her interview and spoke of feeling "comfortable" on the track after taking the first stride towards claiming another European title. She did, however, admit to being caught off guard by the standard of competition in the opening heat.
"Relieved isn't the word I would use at all," she said. "I've worked so hard and the shape has been there all year, it's just been an unfortunate couple of ends that have led to me being a little bit off. But, who cares? The championship is a fresh start, that felt very good, very comfortable."
Next Challenges
"It was a little windy. The standard has gone up - 1.57, in the heats! They were pushing me on the shoulder and I was like 'Guys?!' But it's good, it brings out the best in me and I was just excited to get through this round."
Hodgkinson will take to the track again on Thursday afternoon for the semi-finals. As the pre-eminent figure in women's 800m competition in recent seasons, she will be aiming to book her spot in Friday evening's final.
Yet, her pursuit of a third consecutive European crown faces a significant challenge, with Switzerland's Audrey Werro broadly considered her most dangerous rival for the gold medal. Two-time 400m hurdles world champion Femke Broeders-Bol presents an additional threat to her ambition, having transitioned to 800m this season.
