Olympic medalist Keely Hodgkinson stated she senses she is “closer than ever” to surpassing the women’s 800m outdoor record – the longest-standing global benchmark in track and field.
Jarmila Kratochvilova established the record of one minute 53.28 seconds in Munich during July of 1983.
However, the British athlete Hodgkinson, who recently shattered the indoor world record for the event on Thursday, is convinced she can outperform Kratochvilova and achieve an accomplishment that will “solidify her legacy as the greatest of all time.”
“It’s a considerable challenge, and there’s a reason it has endured for such an extended period,” Hodgkinson conveyed to BBC Sport.
“I believe this is the nearest I’ve felt to achieving it. I genuinely think we can break it, but numerous elements must align perfectly.”
Hodgkinson’s spectacular indoor performance in France saw her complete the race in 1:54.87, obliterating a world record that had persisted since March 3, 2002 – the exact day the British runner was born.
Her mentor, Jenny Meadows, informed BBC Sport that the athlete’s time in Lievin could have been up to a full second quicker – and Hodgkinson aims to achieve even more remarkable feats.
“I’ve known for several weeks that I possess the capability to break it. It simply hinges on executing on the given day,” she remarked.
“We can advance it further in the future, provided I maintain my health, and I truly hope this marks just the beginning.”
Her triumph followed a challenging year for the 23-year-old, who secured Olympic gold at the Paris Games in 2024.
Hodgkinson was incapacitated from training after suffering a hamstring tear merely a few months subsequent to that victory and has been gradually rehabilitating since then.
“After clinching the Olympics, the subsequent events were entirely unexpected,” she commented.
“It compels you to pause, dismantle everything, and reflect: why is this occurring? What are the underlying issues?
“Nonetheless, we navigated through it, I emerged as a more resilient individual, and I believe this current success is the culmination of all those experiences.”
Keely Hodgkinson has earned 800m gold and silver medals at the Olympics [Getty Images]
‘Advancing correctly’
Hodgkinson concedes that numerous elements must converge for her to overcome Kratochvilova’s long-standing record, but her recent athletic displays have persuaded others in the sport that it is only a matter of time.
Lord Coe, president of World Athletics, conveyed to the Sunday Times his belief that Hodgkinson will achieve this feat within the current year.
Allegations have been made that Kratochvilova’s performance was facilitated by the systemic doping regimen prevalent in her nation at the time – a claim she has vigorously refuted.
Nevertheless, her recorded time remains over a second quicker than Hodgkinson’s current personal best of 1:54.61 – a national record established in London in 2024.
“We are progressing along the correct trajectory, and training has provided evidence suggesting its feasibility,” Hodgkinson asserted.
“I believe the primary reason for my success this year is that I’ve experienced my healthiest winter training period in many years.”
While the specific competition Hodgkinson and her entourage might select for any record attempt remains undisclosed, Hodgkinson expresses consistent eagerness to deliver a strong performance in London.
“My coach mentioned two years ago that 2026 would be a favorable year,” she disclosed.
“London holds particular significance for me. I would deeply cherish the opportunity to accomplish something of that magnitude before a home crowd.”
‘2025 remained my peak year’
Keely Hodgkinson holds the position of the sixth-fastest woman in the outdoor 800m [Getty Images]
The past year has been an emotional rollercoaster for Hodgkinson.
Following numerous physical setbacks, Hodgkinson secured world 800m bronze in September, with her training partner Georgia Hunter Bell achieving silver.
Despite the various challenges and triumphs, Hodgkinson still characterizes 2025 as “my most successful year.”
“I still had an enjoyable period – my entire identity isn’t defined by my profession,” she declared.
“There’s far more to life beyond what transpires in my athletic career.”
During her recovery, Hodgkinson’s colleagues playfully nicknamed her ‘Keely 2.0’ – an acknowledgment of her transformation and capacity to return stronger.
Coach Trevor Painter acquired a massive Himalayan salt lamp for her, which, as she describes, was intended to “emanate positive energy.”
“He claims my moods were erratic last year,” she quipped.
“It’s supposed to tranquilize the atmosphere’s energy.
“It weighs approximately forty kilograms, so imagine me attempting to transport it up the stairs, but I genuinely believe it had a positive effect!”
A new challenger for supremacy?
The immediate focus, however, will be the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland in March, where Hodgkinson is anticipated to be the strong favourite for the gold medal.
In outdoor competitions, she will encounter an intriguing new competitor on the starting line.
In October, Femke Bol, a two-time 400m hurdles world champion, declared her intention to transition to competing in the 800m event.
Earlier this month, the Dutch luminary won her inaugural race in Metz, France, establishing a national record of 1:59.07 in the process.
“Femke and I share a very strong friendship,” Hodgkinson revealed.
“We have matured somewhat together over the years. Femke is an exceptionally talented individual, but I also comprehend the demands of running the 800m at these speeds.
“Just grant her some time, and she will reach that level.”
When questioned about considering it a potential rivalry, Hodgkinson responded: “I wouldn’t categorize it as a rivalry at this moment, but she’s skilled, and she will achieve her objectives when she is prepared.”
