'Long distance killed it'- Keely Hodgkinson reveals realities of dating while chasing Olympic glory

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson opens up about balancing fame, relationships and the pressures of success in her post-gold life.

If Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson wanted to make an impression after her monumental victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics she has certainly done that — and more.

Winning gold in the 800m, one of the most grueling events on the track, has not just made her a household name; it is cemented her as one of Britain’s most promising and charismatic sports stars.

But do not let her glamorous appearances at fashion shows or her effortless charm in front of the camera fool you: behind that winning smile is an athlete who worked tirelessly, who endured unimaginable pain to reach the top — all while juggling being a young woman just like anyone else.

Her rise to fame, as quick as it may have seemed to the millions who watched her glide across the finish line in Paris, has been years in the making.

Yet, despite all the accolades and recognition she remains remarkably grounded.

Dressed in designer labels like Prada and Off-White, with a lavender Chanel bag, Hodgkinson effortlessly balances the duality of her life: the relentless grind of training and the world of high fashion, celebrity, and parties.

The 22-year-old from Wigan admits she is still adjusting to her newfound fame.

“Life’s changed,” she acknowledges in an interview with The Sunday Times.

“I get spotted a lot more now, and my Instagram followers have shot up. I’m still getting used to that.”

Among her new legion of admirers is none other than David Beckham, who commented on her Instagram post after her Olympic victory.

“That was pretty cool,” she says, flashing a grin.

But beyond the followers and celebrity endorsements, Hodgkinson has not let success get to her head. She is still Keely, the young woman who loves nothing more than catching up with her old friends and having a good time.

“I don’t think I ever fell in love with running,” she says, sipping her oat latte, reflecting on her journey to Olympic glory.

“I just knew I was good at it. I love feeling healthy, but training is horrible, it’s painful. I don’t love that part at all. But I know I have the mental ability to push through it because I know I’ve got a talent there.”

In Paris, Hodgkinson faced fierce competition from reigning world champion Mary Moraa but when it mattered most, Hodgkinson, running with composure and confidence, sailed past her rivals to claim gold with a time of 1:56.72.

“I believed in myself,” she says.

“I knew I was in unbeatable shape this year. It’s that gold medal mindset — you have to believe you belong there before you even cross the finish line.”

Hodgkinson’s confidence comes without arrogance, a quality she is honed through working with a sports psychologist.

“I’ve always had that pressure to win,” she says.

“But this year, I really worked on my mindset. I was talking about being a gold medallist months before I even won the race. It’s all about believing in yourself.”

For Hodgkinson, the battle to be the best does not just happen on the track — it starts in the mind.

Hodgkinson’s ability to switch between the intensity of competition and the lighter side of life is remarkable.

After winning gold in Paris, she was soon spotted sitting front row at London Fashion Week, flanked by fellow athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and rapper Skepta, as the models of Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection sashayed down the runway.

“I love fashion,” she says with a smile.

“It’s a different world from what I’m used to, but I enjoy it. I’m still figuring out my style, though — it changes all the time.”

Despite the glamorous events and rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Hodgkinson remains grounded in her roots.

She still lives near her family in Salford, close enough to pop around for a Sunday lunch. Her family, she admits, has been a huge support throughout her career.

“They’ve always been there for me,” she says, fondly recalling her childhood in Atherton, Greater Manchester.

Hodgkinson grew up as the eldest of four siblings, with a brother and two sisters who continue to be her biggest fans.

“We’re a close-knit family. My parents never pushed me, but they supported me 100%.”

Her love for competition blossomed early. Hodgkinson began racing at the age of nine, and by 15, she was the English under-17 champion.

By 2021, she had burst onto the international scene, winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics and breaking Kelly Holmes’s British record in the 800m. From that point on, the world knew her name.

But while her ascent has been extraordinary, it has not come without its challenges.

Hodgkinson admits that the transition from a young up-and-comer to an Olympic champion has been tough at times.

“It’s hard when you feel like you’re growing up so fast,” she says.

“I struggled with that last year — just feeling a bit lost, like I wasn’t quite in sync with myself.”

That is when she sought the help of a sports psychologist.

“It wasn’t something I thought I’d need, but it made a massive difference.”

Having a solid group of friends has also kept her grounded.

Despite her busy schedule, Hodgkinson makes it a priority to spend time with her core group of six best friends, who have “normal lives, jobs, and even kids.”

“I make the most of my off-periods,” she says.

“Every year in September, I book a night out with my friends, and we have one big night out. We’re going to this Middle Eastern restaurant in Manchester, and yeah, I’ll have a drink!”

Despite all the success and recognition, Hodgkinson is still figuring out life, just like any other 22-year-old.

“I had boyfriends when I was younger,” she says, matter-of-factly.

Her last relationship, with a fellow British runner, ended earlier this year after three years together.

“Long-distance killed it,” she admits.

“He was living in Texas and then Italy, and with my schedule, we could go weeks without seeing each other. It was tough.”

Now, she is happily single, focused on her career. “I’m not really interested in dating right now.I’ve never been on the apps. I like meeting people in real life," she says.

As for what is next, Hodgkinson is far from slowing down as she is already set her sights on the next big challenge: the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

“There’s a world title I haven’t won yet.That’s next on the list. And then there’s the European Indoors and the World Indoor Championships, too. I’ve still got a lot to achieve.”

Yet, for all her ambition, Hodgkinson remains refreshingly realistic.

“Running is tough,” she reiterates.

“It’s not glamorous when you’re out of breath and tired all the time. But I love winning. That’s what drives me.”