In a devastating blow to athletics fans worldwide, Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has withdrawn from the inaugural ‘Keely Klassic’ event where she was set to attempt breaking the women’s 800m indoor world record. The 21-year-old British sensation sustained a hamstring injury during training, forcing her to pull out of the highly anticipated competition.
Hopes Dashed for Historic Moment
Hodgkinson, who claimed gold in the 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympics last summer, was primed and ready to challenge Jolanda Ceplak’s long-standing indoor world record of 1:55.82 set back in 2002. The stage was set for a thrilling show at the first-ever ‘Keely Klassic’ designed to showcase Hodgkinson’s immense talent.
I am so gutted and disappointed to be announcing this, unfortunately after a great week of preparations for this weekend, yesterday I picked up a hamstring injury, which means I’ll have to sit this one out this weekend and not compete.
– Keely Hodgkinson
In an emotional Instagram post, the crestfallen Hodgkinson expressed her devastation at missing the launch of her signature event. She and her team had put in months of hard work to prepare her for this moment, only to have it snatched away at the last minute by cruel fate.
More Than Just a Race
However, as Hodgkinson pointed out, the ‘Keely Klassic’ was never just about her individual performance. The young star’s vision was to inject fresh energy into the sport, celebrate the depth of British talent, and inspire the next generation of fans and athletes.
- Bringing new excitement to athletics
- Showcasing rising British stars
- Engaging young fans in the sport
Those goals remain unchanged despite Hodgkinson’s absence from the track. She still plans to attend Saturday’s event to cheer on her teammates and soak in the incredible atmosphere. Her passion for uplifting athletics and nurturing future talent burns as brightly as ever.
Road to Recovery and Redemption
For now, the focus for Hodgkinson shifts to recovering from this ill-timed hamstring injury and regaining her scintillating form. With Paris 2024 still fresh in the rear-view mirror, the middle-distance sensation has ample time to bounce back stronger than ever.
While the athletics world will be denied the pleasure of witnessing Hodgkinson’s record attempt this weekend, there’s no doubt she will be back with a vengeance. This is merely a bump in the road for a once-in-a-generation talent who has already accomplished so much at such a tender age.
Absolutely gutted to have to withdraw from the Keely Klassic this weekend due to a hamstring injury. This event means so much to me, but I have to focus on recovery. I'll still be there cheering on my teammates and soaking in the incredible atmosphere! The show must go on! 💪 #KeepKlimbing
— Keely Hodgkinson (@keelyhodgkinson) February 13, 2025
The ‘Keely Klassic’ will go on, celebrating the indomitable spirit of a champion even in her absence. And when Keely Hodgkinson does return to the track, expect fireworks as she resumes her pursuit of rewriting the record books and cementing her legacy as an all-time great of British athletics.
