Reddit co-founder and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian has made a generous £10,000 donation to support British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson as she gears up for the Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old athlete, who won silver in the 800m at the Tokyo 2020 Games, received the unexpected boost from Ohanian, who has been vocal about supporting women in sports.
Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, shared his admiration for Hodgkinson's talent and determination. "Keely is an incredible athlete with a bright future," he said. "I wanted to show my support as she prepares for Paris—she represents the kind of dedication and excellence we should all celebrate."
Hodgkinson, who burst onto the global stage with her Tokyo performance, expressed her gratitude for the donation. "It’s amazing to have this kind of backing," she said. "Every bit of support helps me focus on training and competing at my best."
The donation comes as part of Ohanian’s broader commitment to levelling the playing field for female athletes. Having previously invested in women’s football and tennis, his latest gesture highlights the growing recognition of athletics as a sport deserving of greater financial support.
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Hodgkinson remains a strong medal contender, and this financial boost could play a key role in her preparations.
