800m world record attempt to wait longer as Mary Moraa's serial rival ends 2024 season

800m world record attempt to wait longer as Mary Moraa's serial rival ends 2024 season

Abigael Wafula 08:45 - 22.08.2024

Mary Moraa's track rival, Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to end her season due to recent developments, putting on hold the 800m world record attempt.

Days after dominating the women’s 800m final at the Paris Olympics, Mary Moraa’s track rival Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to end her season due to an injury.

Hodgkinson has been impressive this season and after her Paris Olympics exploits, she expressed interest in shattering the women’s 800m world record but that will have to wait longer.

The Briton ends her season unbeaten, after enjoying reigning the women’s 800m from Diamond League meetings to the Olympic Games. Confirming her absence from the rest of the season, Hodgkinson shared a post on her Instagram page.

“No more races for me!! Unfortunately, I picked up a small injury, but we achieved everything I had hoped to do this year, thank you for all the love and support!! see you on the track next year,” the Briton said.

Hodgkinson opened her season with a 400m personal best time of 51.61 seconds at the 13th Savona International Meeting, where she finished second.

The world 800m bronze medallist went on to win the Prefontaine Classic, defeating reigning world champion Moraa, who was forced to settle for second place. The 22-year-old successfully defended her European title at the European Championships before racing the 400m at the UK Olympic trials.

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Hodgkinson won the FBK Games in Hengelo before striking a personal best time of 1:54.61 in the women’s 800m at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, Olympics.

She meant business at the Paris Olympic Games, reigning supreme in the first round of the race before throwing down the gauntlet in the final. Hodgkinson won the race ahead of Tsige Duguma and Moraa who came in second and third respectively.

Her withdrawal from the rest of the season now pits Moraa against Athing Mu, who missed the Olympic Games. Mu will be out to make a statement in her races for the remainder of the season with the main focus being the Diamond League final.