Keely Hodgkinson - Speaker

Keely Hodgkinson is a middle-distance running Olympic Champion. Specialising in the 800 metres, she won Gold in the women’s 800m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was named BBC Sports Person of the Year in the same year.

Born on March 3, 2002, in Leigh, Greater Manchester, Keely developed a passion for athletics early on. She participated in various sports, including swimming and gymnastics, before focusing on running. Joining Leigh Harriers Athletics Club, she trained under Trevor Painter, who significantly influenced her development as an athlete.

Keely's breakthrough came in 2020 when she won the British Indoor Championships at just 18, marking her entry onto the national stage. Her tactical awareness, speed, and finishing ability have been key to her success in competitions.

In 2021, Keely broke the British indoor 800-metre record with a time of 1:59.03. She competed in the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the 800-metre final with a new British record of 1:55.88. This achievement made her the first British woman to win an Olympic medal in the 800 metres since 2004 and the fastest teenager in the event in nearly fifty years.

Keely continued to excel in 2022, winning gold at the European Championships in Munich and silver at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She also secured silver at the Commonwealth Games, showcasing her consistency across various competitions. Her victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics solidified her status as a global champion.

Keely's rapid ascent in middle-distance running has inspired many young athletes. With her talent and determination, she is poised to maintain her dominance in the 800 metres. Her achievements at such a young age have made her a role model, and her future in athletics looks promising.