Keely Hodgkinson will aim to move a step closer to defending her 800m title this afternoon in the European Athletics Championships semi-finals in Birmingham. The 24-year-old is chasing a third consecutive European crown and started strongly this week, winning her heat in 1:57.28 ahead of Italy's Eloisa Coiro and Germany's Smilla Kolbe.
Scorching Conditions at Alexander Stadium
She can secure a place in Friday night's final with another strong run at the Alexander Stadium, but will compete in brutal heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach 37C in Birmingham on Thursday afternoon, prompting the Met Office to issue an amber warning for "extreme heat." The warning advises people to "keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is the strongest."
The semi-finals start at 12:10pm, placing Hodgkinson and her rivals on the track during the hottest part of the day.
Met Office Statement on Heatwave
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer issued a statement earlier this week about the latest UK heatwave. "While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued," Bulmer said. "High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK."
Hodgkinson Reflects on Heat Victory
After Tuesday's heat, Hodgkinson was surprised by the high standard of competition. "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. 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."
