Olympics 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson was among fans who watched on as Man United capitulated against Tottenham but it has not distracted her from setting big goals in 2025.
Olympics 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is not letting up in her quest for further success after ending the 2024 season with gold medal.
Hodgkinson has had a successful campaign when she remained unbeaten in Diamond League races before winning the European Championships and crowned it all with Olympics gold in Paris.
The two-time world silver medallist, who is a big Manchester United fan, was at Old Trafford on Sunday just before the Red Devils’ 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham, and she received a hero’s welcome as she showed fans her gold medal.
"It is amazing. I think it is amazing to mix sports and know that in another sport you still have that same support,” said the 22-year-old who comes from Atherton in Greater Manchester.
"For a team like Manchester United, who are so world-famously known and that I have supported my entire life, to welcome me back and show me that support is really, really nice."
Having tasted Olympics success, Hodgkinson is keen to hold off her rivals, who include Kenya’s Mary Moraa, the reigning world champion, in 2025 with the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan the biggest event next year.
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"I could feel the pressure and the excitement, and I really wanted it to happen. I was controlling that and when it all came true, I had thought about that moment for so long,” said Hodgkinson.
"It was a really surreal moment and me and my team worked really hard for it, so it was good to celebrate with them.
"I have had a whirlwind few weeks doing some opportunities that are really fantastic. I will be back training soon and still have some big goals to achieve so I am looking forward to it."
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At the Olympics, Hodgkinson crossed the line in 1:56.72 to take gold ahead of Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma (1:57.15) while Moraa completed the podium in 1:57.42.