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Keely Hodgkinson announces her ambitious attempt to break the 800m world record at a thrilling new track event.
Reigning Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has announced her ambitious attempt to break the world 800m short-track record at a newly launched event, the ‘Keely Klassic,’ set to take place on February 15 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.
The highly anticipated race will mark Hodgkinson’s first track appearance since her triumphant victory at the Tokyo Olympics, promising a dazzling spectacle for fans of athletics.
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The 22-year-old aims to surpass the current world record of 1:55.82, held by Slovenia’s Jolanda Ceplak since March 3, 2002—a day that coincidentally also marks Hodgkinson’s birth.
“I’m beyond excited to announce the Keely Klassic, my first track race since becoming Olympic champion,” Hodgkinson said in a statement unveiling the event.
“This event is all about bringing energy, passion, and top-tier athletics to the fans. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, with some of the UK’s best athletes competing, and a special focus on the 800m.
“I’m also thrilled to attempt to break the world record—this is an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level while giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”
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Hodgkinson, who boasts a personal best and British record of 1:57.18 set at last February’s Birmingham World Indoor Tour final, has been laser-focused on the 800m discipline.
Following an unbeaten 2024 season and a resounding performance at London’s Diamond League, where she shattered her own national record, Hodgkinson is now targeting Jarmila Kratochvilova’s outdoor world record of 1:53.28 and Ceplak’s indoor mark.
The announcement of the Keely Klassic came shortly after Hodgkinson claimed the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year title in recognition of her stellar achievements.
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The event itself, registered as a World Athletics Indoor Tour bronze-level meeting, is designed to deliver a unique and immersive experience for fans.
A listing on the Utilita Arena website teases a lineup of marquee British track and field stars joining Hodgkinson in a variety of disciplines.
This new addition to the indoor circuit comes just a week before the British Indoor Championships at the same venue, adding to the buzz surrounding UK athletics.
Hodgkinson’s journey to February 15 has not been without challenges.
A small injury sustained in Paris prematurely ended her 2024 season, but the middle-distance prodigy has shown resilience in her recovery, signaling her readiness to take on the world once again.
Fans and pundits alike have been captivated by her meteoric rise in the sport, and the Keely Klassic is poised to cement her status as a trailblazer.
“This is about more than just records,” Hodgkinson said.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation of athletes and sharing the passion I feel every time I step onto the track. Birmingham is the perfect place to host this—it’s a city that has always embraced the spirit of athletics.”
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