Keely Hodgkinson has redefined the boundaries of indoor middle-distance running, shattering the women’s 800m world record in Liévin, France, on . Her time of 1:54.87 not only eclipsed the previous record but did so on a day of profound personal significance – the very day of her birth in 2002.
The performance, a testament to years of dedication and a triumphant return from injury, saw Hodgkinson surpass Jolanda Ceplak’s longstanding mark of 1:55.82. The 23-year-old Briton’s achievement arrives after a challenging period, marked by a hamstring tear sustained shortly after her Olympic gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Games. The injury forced a period of rehabilitation and a focused rebuild, culminating in this record-breaking run.
“After winning the Olympics, it really wasn’t what I thought was going to happen,” Hodgkinson reflected, acknowledging the unexpected turn her career took. “It makes you stop and strip back everything and think, why is this happening? What are the problems? But, we got through it, I became a stronger person, and I think this is now the reward of all of that happening.”
Hodgkinson’s coach, Jenny Meadows, believes the athlete’s potential extends even further. Meadows indicated to BBC Sport that Hodgkinson’s performance in Liévin could have been up to one second faster, suggesting that this record may be just the beginning of a new era for the athlete. Hodgkinson herself echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve known for weeks I’m capable of breaking it. It’s just a matter of getting out on the day. We can push it even further in the future, as long as I stay healthy and I think this is hopefully just the beginning.”
The race itself saw Hodgkinson closely track the pace set by a designated pacemaker, splitting the first 200m in 26.83 seconds and the 400m in 56.00 seconds. Switzerland’s Audrey Werro attempted to stay with Hodgkinson’s relentless pace, but the Olympic champion steadily pulled away, reaching the 600m mark in 1:25.05 with a clear lead. She then extended her advantage on the final lap, crossing the finish line in a time that resonated far beyond the Arena Stade Couvert in Liévin.
The victory comes as Hodgkinson prepares for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, set to begin in Poland in just over a month. The Liévin performance serves as a powerful statement of form and intent as she aims to add another global gold medal to her impressive collection. Hodgkinson’s previous major championship successes include a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and silver medals at the 2022 Eugene and 2023 Budapest World Championships. She also secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.
Beyond the immediate competitive implications, Hodgkinson’s record-breaking run holds historical significance. She now stands alongside triple jumper Jonathan Edwards as the only British athletes to currently hold a world record in a championship event. Her time of 1:54.87 is the 15th fastest 800m run in history, regardless of conditions, and is just 0.26 seconds shy of her outdoor personal best.
The race in Liévin also saw strong performances from other competitors. Audrey Werro finished second in 1:58.38, while Olympic silver medallist Tsige Duguma secured third place with a time of 1:58.83. However, the night unequivocally belonged to Hodgkinson, whose performance captivated the crowd and cemented her status as a dominant force in middle-distance running.
Hodgkinson’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience and determination. The setback of the hamstring injury, following the euphoria of Olympic success, presented a significant challenge. However, her commitment to recovery and her unwavering belief in her abilities have propelled her to new heights. The world record in Liévin is not merely a demonstration of athletic prowess; it is a symbol of perseverance and the power of overcoming adversity.
