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The Briton middle-distance runner has expressed shock and gratitude after a record-breaking year led to a prestigious honor.
Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson has termed her BBC Sports Personality of the Year award as the perfect end to a remarkable season that has seen her cement her place among Britain’s athletics greats.
The 22-year-old, who became the youngest woman to win the prestigious title since Emma Raducanu in 2021, said she was “shocked” and “overwhelmed” by the public’s support.
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This honor caps a stellar year where Hodgkinson ended her wait for a global title, dominating the 800m at the Paris Olympics, retaining her European crown in Rome, and rewriting the British record books.
“I am in a bit of shock,” Hodgkinson told BBC One after receiving the award.
“I am more excited for my coach as I wouldn't be here without his guidance. This year has been incredible, and I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track. I hope you loved watching Paris.”
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After bursting onto the scene as a teenager with a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, she has steadily climbed the ranks of global athletics, overcoming the heartbreak of successive World Championship silvers to claim her first Olympic gold in Paris this summer.
The Leigh athlete went undefeated over 800m this year, showcasing not only her physical dominance but her mental resilience against fierce rivals like Athing Mu and Mary Moraa.
Her triumph in Paris made her the 10th British woman to win an athletics gold at the Olympics and the first since Jessica Ennis-Hill in 2012.
Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were also honored earlier in the evening, receiving the BBC’s Coach of the Year award.
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Hodgkinson praised their role in her success, saying their guidance had been pivotal in helping her achieve her goals.
“This award isn’t just mine—it belongs to my team, my family, and everyone who has supported me,” Hodgkinson said.
“Trevor and Jenny have been with me every step of the way, pushing me, believing in me, and helping me grow into the athlete I am today.”
Hodgkinson’s achievements this year extended beyond medals.
In July, at the London Diamond League, she became the sixth-fastest woman in history over 800m, clocking an astonishing 1:54.61 to break her own British record.
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The performance brought her within striking distance of Jarmila Kratochvilova’s long-standing world record of 1:53.28, a feat many now believe is within her reach.
Reflecting on her historic season, Hodgkinson highlighted her Paris triumph as the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
“Winning gold in Paris was everything I dreamed of,” she said.
“To stand on that podium and hear the national anthem was a moment I’ll never forget.”
The award makes Hodgkinson the fourth consecutive woman to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following footballers Mary Earps and Beth Mead, and tennis star Emma Raducanu. Darts prodigy Luke Littler finished second in the public vote, with cricketer Joe Root coming third.
Looking ahead, Hodgkinson remains focused on new challenges. With the 2024 indoor and outdoor World Championships on the horizon, she has her sights set on further glory.
And with her record-breaking form, the elusive 800m world record may soon fall to Britain’s newest athletics superstar.
“This year has been amazing, but I’m always looking for the next challenge,” Hodgkinson said.
“I want to keep improving, keep inspiring, and hopefully make history for Britain.”
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