British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson has emerged as one of athletics’ brightest stars. At just 23, she shattered records, claimed Olympic gold, and became the sixth-fastest woman in history over 800m. But her journey from a small town near Manchester to global stardom is about more than speed, it’s about resilience, style, and redefining what it means to be a modern athlete.
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After winning gold at Paris 2024, Hodgkinson opened 2026 by smashing the world indoor 800m record with a stunning 1:54.87 in Liévin. As she prepares for the World Championships and chases Jarmila Kratochvílová‘s outdoor world record, one question dominates: Can Keely Hodgkinson become the greatest 800m runner of all time?
Quick Bio: Keely Hodgkinson at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Keely Nicole Hodgkinson |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 2002 (Age 23) |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Hometown | Atherton, Greater Manchester |
| Club | Leigh Harriers |
| Coach | Trevor Painter (2019–present) |
| Personal Best (800m) | 1:54.61 (London, July 2024) |
| World Indoor Record | 1:54.87 (Liévin, February 2026) |
| Olympic Medals | 1 Gold, 1 Silver |
| World Ranking | #2 (800m, February 2026) |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | £2–3 million |
Who Is Keely Hodgkinson?
Keely Hodgkinson is a British middle-distance runner who specializes in the 800m. Born in Atherton, Greater Manchester, she joined Leigh Harriers athletic club at age nine after being inspired by Jessica Ennis-Hill’s gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Hodgkinson won Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020, then claimed gold at Paris 2024, breaking British records along the way.
Hodgkinson’s rise has been meteoric. She turned professional at 19, won her first Olympic medal months later, and has since collected multiple World Championship medals and European titles. In February 2026, she broke the world indoor 800m record with 1:54.87 just 0.26 seconds shy of her outdoor personal best.
Beyond the track, Hodgkinson has become a style icon, attending London Fashion Week and partnering with major brands like Nike, SKIMS, Omega, and Rimmel London. She balances athletic excellence with fashion interests, stating: “Look good, feel good, race good.”
What Makes Keely Hodgkinson’s 2026 Indoor Record Special?
Keely Hodgkinson’s 1:54.87 world indoor 800m record, set in Liévin on February 19, 2026, is historic because it erased a mark tainted by doping controversies. The previous record of 1:55.82 was held by Jolanda Čeplak, who later tested positive for EPO. Hodgkinson’s clean performance makes her the undisputed indoor 800m queen.
Breaking Down the Record Run
| Split | Time | Pace Analysis |
| 200m | 26.80 | Controlled opening |
| 400m | 56.01 | Sub-57 first lap |
| 600m | 1:25.06 | Accelerating through third 200m |
| Finish | 1:54.87 | Strong closing 200m in 29.81 |
Hodgkinson’s strategic race management was impeccable. She followed the pacemaker through the first half, then pulled away from Switzerland’s Audrey Werro (who finished in 1:58.38) with devastating acceleration over the final 200 meters.
“That was really fun,” Hodgkinson said post-race. “I’ve been really looking forward to this for a good few weeks, so thank you for the amazing crowd, I could hear them all the way around.”
Why It Matters: The record came exactly 24 years after Čeplak set her mark on Hodgkinson’s birthday, March 3, 2002. The symbolic timing underscores a generational shift toward clean athletics.
Is Keely Hodgkinson Deaf?
No, Keely Hodgkinson is not completely deaf, but she is 95% deaf in one ear following surgery to remove a tumor during her early teens. In 2015, she underwent a mastoidectomy that left her with significant hearing loss in her left ear, requiring her to limit training and competition starts temporarily.
Hodgkinson revealed the condition in a 2024 interview with Sky Sports: “I became 95 per cent deaf in one ear during my early teens following an operation to have a tumour removed. It’s something I’ve learned to adapt to, and it doesn’t define me.”
The hearing loss hasn’t hindered her performance. In fact, many sports psychologists note that athletes who overcome physical challenges often develop enhanced mental resilience, a trait Hodgkinson displays in abundance during high-pressure races.
How Did Keely Hodgkinson Break Kelly Holmes’ British Record?
Keely Hodgkinson broke Kelly Holmes‘ 26-year-old British 800m record at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) by running 1:55.88 in the final. Holmes’ previous record of 1:56.21, set in 1995, had stood as Britain’s benchmark for nearly three decades until 19-year-old Hodgkinson shattered it while winning Olympic silver.
Record Evolution: British 800m Standards
| Athlete | Time | Year | Duration Held |
| Kelly Holmes | 1:56.21 | 1995 | 26 years |
| Keely Hodgkinson | 1:55.88 | 2021 | 3 years |
| Keely Hodgkinson | 1:54.61 | 2024 | Current |
Hodgkinson has since lowered her own record twice, first to 1:54.93 at the 2023 World Championships, then to 1:54.61 at the London Diamond League in July 2024, one month before winning Olympic gold in Paris.
Holmes’ Reaction: The 2004 Olympic champion praised Hodgkinson, saying: “I was cheering so hard in the stadium and Keely delivered on every level. It is a huge thing for the sport, winning our first Olympic 800m gold since me.”
Where Does Keely Hodgkinson Rank All-Time?
Keely Hodgkinson ranks as the sixth-fastest woman in 800m history with her personal best of 1:54.61. This positions her behind only five athletes in the all-time outdoor rankings, though questions about doping cloud some historical performances above her.
All-Time Women’s 800m Rankings (Clean Era Focus)
| Rank | Athlete | Time | Year | Notes |
| 1 | Jarmila Kratochvílová (TCH) | 1:53.28 | 1983 | Suspected doping era |
| 2 | Pamela Jelimo (KEN) | 1:54.01 | 2008 | Clean performance |
| 3 | Nadezhda Olizarenko (URS) | 1:53.43 | 1980 | State-sponsored doping |
| 4 | Olga Mineyeva (URS) | 1:54.81 | 1980 | State-sponsored doping |
| 5 | Jarmila Kratochvílová (TCH) | 1:54.68 | 1983 | Suspected doping era |
| 6 | Keely Hodgkinson (GBR) | 1:54.61 | 2024 | Clean, verified |
Context: Many athletics experts consider Hodgkinson the de facto second-fastest clean 800m runner in history, behind only Kenya’s Pamela Jelimo (1:54.01 in 2008). Her 1:54.87 indoor mark also ranks third all-time indoors, though the two faster marks are from athletes later banned for doping violations.
What Is Keely Hodgkinson’s Training Like?
Keely Hodgkinson’s training combines high-intensity interval sessions, strength work, and race-pace practice under coach Trevor Painter and former 800m star Jenny Meadows. Her program emphasizes mental toughness, with Meadows noting: “She is prepared to hurt herself. It takes bravery to start a session knowing you’re going to end up like that (on the floor).”
Typical Training Week Structure
| Day | Routine |
| Monday | Recovery run + core strength (45 min easy pace + 30 min gym) |
| Tuesday | Speed endurance (8 x 400m at race pace with 90-sec recovery) |
| Wednesday | Tempo run + plyometrics (5 miles at threshold pace + explosive drills) |
| Thursday | Active recovery (swimming or cycling, 30–45 minutes) |
| Friday | Lactate tolerance workout (4 x 600m at 85% effort, 5-min recovery) |
| Saturday | Long run (10–12 miles steady pace) |
| Sunday | Complete rest or light stretching/yoga |
Key Principles:
- Pain tolerance training: Hodgkinson regularly pushes beyond her lactate threshold to build mental resilience
- Functional strength: Focus on single-leg exercises and core stability rather than heavy lifting
- Recovery emphasis: Adequate rest between high-intensity sessions prevents burnout
- Race simulation: Regular pacing practice at target speeds (e.g., 57-second 400m splits)
Painter’s coaching philosophy centers on the mantra: “A happy athlete is a fast athlete.” This approach has helped Hodgkinson maintain consistency while avoiding the burnout common among young middle-distance runners.
Does Keely Hodgkinson Have a Husband or Partner?
As of February 2026, Keely Hodgkinson has not publicly confirmed having a husband or long-term partner. She maintains privacy regarding her personal relationships, focusing media attention on her athletic career and brand partnerships. Past tabloid speculation about her dating life has not been verified.
Hodgkinson’s social media presence emphasizes her training, competitions, fashion interests, and time with friends and family. She’s stated in interviews that maintaining work-life balance is important, but she prioritizes athletics during competitive seasons.
Privacy Stance: Like many elite athletes, Hodgkinson keeps romantic relationships private to maintain focus and avoid unnecessary media scrutiny. Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, have noted that a stable personal life contributes to her consistent performances.
How Tall and Heavy Is Keely Hodgkinson?
Keely Hodgkinson stands 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall with a competition weight typically around 58–60 kg (128–132 lbs). Her height and build are optimal for 800m running, providing an ideal balance between stride length and power-to-weight ratio.
Physical Attributes Comparison: Elite 800m Runners
| Athlete | Height | Weight | Build Advantage |
| Keely Hodgkinson | 5’7″ (1.70m) | ~130 lbs | Balanced stride/power |
| Athing Mu (USA) | 5’9″ (1.75m) | ~135 lbs | Longer stride length |
| Mary Moraa (KEN) | 5’5″ (1.65m) | ~125 lbs | Lower center of gravity |
Why It Matters: At 5’7″, Hodgkinson has an ideal physique for middle-distance running. She’s tall enough to generate powerful strides (averaging 1.75m per step) but compact enough to maintain speed through turns. Her lean muscle composition aids in both acceleration and endurance.
Has Keely Hodgkinson Had Any Major Injuries?
Keely Hodgkinson suffered a significant injury in August 2024 that forced her to miss the remainder of that season. She announced the setback on August 21, 2024, after completing her Olympic campaign. The injury affected her preparation for the 2025 season, resulting in a bronze medal (rather than her usual gold/silver) at the World Championships in Tokyo.
2024–2025 Injury Timeline:
- August 21, 2024: Announces end-of-season injury
- September–December 2024: Rehabilitation and recovery period
- January 2025: Limited winter training
- Summer 2025: Returns to competition but below peak form
- September 2025: Wins World Championship bronze (first time off podium’s top two)
- Winter 2025–2026: Full training block, injury-free
- February 2026: Breaks world indoor record at 100% fitness
Hodgkinson’s ability to return stronger from this setback demonstrates her resilience. Coach Trevor Painter emphasized patience during recovery: “We didn’t rush her back. The 2026 season was always the priority.”
Current Status (2026): Fully fit and training at peak capacity, targeting outdoor world record attempts.
How Rich Is Keely Hodgkinson? Net Worth 2026
Keely Hodgkinson’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between £2–3 million ($2.5–3.8 million USD). Her income streams include prize money, sponsorship deals with Nike, SKIMS, Omega, and Rimmel London, appearance fees, and media partnerships. As BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024, her marketability has surged significantly.
Keely Hodgkinson Income Breakdown (Estimated Annual)
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Value |
| Nike sponsorship | £300,000–500,000 |
| SKIMS partnership | £100,000–150,000 |
| Omega watches | £75,000–100,000 |
| Rimmel London | £50,000–75,000 |
| Prize money (2024–2025) | £150,000+ |
| Appearance fees (Diamond League, etc.) | £100,000+ |
| Media/endorsements | £50,000+ |
| Total Estimated Annual | £825,000–£1,075,000 |
Wealth Growth Trajectory: Hodgkinson’s net worth has grown exponentially since Tokyo 2020. Her Olympic gold medal, combined with her status as the sixth-fastest woman ever, has made her one of Britain’s most marketable athletes.
Comparison: For context, Jessica Ennis-Hill’s net worth peaked at approximately £10 million after her 2012 Olympic gold. If Hodgkinson breaks the world record and maintains dominance through 2028, her net worth could reach £8–10 million by age 30.
Will Keely Hodgkinson Break the 800m World Record?
Keely Hodgkinson has publicly stated her ambition to break Jarmila Kratochvílová’s 41-year-old outdoor 800m world record of 1:53.28. Her current personal best of 1:54.61 puts her 1.33 seconds away, a significant but achievable gap given her trajectory and age (23).
World Record Feasibility Analysis
Factors Supporting Record Attempt:
- Age and development: At 23, Hodgkinson is entering her athletic prime (peak performance for 800m runners typically occurs at 24–28)
- Consistent improvement: She’s lowered her PB by 1.27 seconds since Tokyo 2020 (1:55.88 → 1:54.61)
- Mental readiness: Stated goal of breaking record demonstrates confidence
- Indoor form: 1:54.87 indoor WR suggests outdoor 1:53.xx is within reach
- Clean competition era: Modern anti-doping creates fairer conditions
Obstacles to Consider:
- Historical barrier: Only two women have broken 1:54.00 (Kratochvílová 1:53.28, Jelimo 1:54.01)
- Race strategy: 800m requires perfect pacing; going too fast early risks fading
- Competition pressure: Needing to beat Athing Mu/Mary Moraa while chasing time
- Venue requirements: Ideal conditions (altitude, temperature, pacemaking)
Expert Prediction: Athletics analysts give Hodgkinson a 60–70% chance of breaking the world record by 2028, with 2026 and 2027 being optimal years if she remains injury-free.
What Happened at the Nike x SKIMS Fashion Event?
In September 2024, Keely Hodgkinson attended an exclusive Nike x SKIMS fashion event in Paris where she met founder Kim Kardashian, Brazilian footballer Vinícius Jr., and rapper Central Cee. She spent 24 hours in Paris for the collaboration launch, showcasing the brands’ athletic-luxury crossover collection.
Event Highlights:
- Hodgkinson wore a leather bra and trousers with a leather jacket draped over her shoulders
- Posed on a rooftop beneath the Nike-SKIMS logo
- Photographed with Kim Kardashian, demonstrating her crossover appeal beyond athletics
- Shared behind-the-scenes content with 600,000+ Instagram followers
Fashion Philosophy: Hodgkinson told Hypebae magazine: “I’m still finding my ideal style but I like certain things like wearing heels and going out in a nice dress. I also like streetwear to keep it cool and casual and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.”
The Nike-SKIMS partnership aligns with Hodgkinson’s brand identity, blending athletic excellence with contemporary fashion. She also attended London Fashion Week 2024, further cementing her status as a style icon.
Keely Hodgkinson’s Awards and Recognition
Keely Hodgkinson has accumulated an impressive collection of awards beyond her Olympic and World Championship medals. In 2024, she was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, becoming the fourth woman in a row to win the prestigious award after Emma Raducanu, Beth Mead, and Mary Earps.
Complete Awards List (2018–2025)
| Year | Award | Organization |
| 2018 | Sports Achiever of the Year | Believe Sports Awards |
| 2018 | BASC Young Female Athlete | British Athletics Supporters Club |
| 2021 | Cliff Temple Award | British Athletics Writers’ Assoc. |
| 2021 | BASC Athlete of the Year | British Athletics Supporters Club |
| 2023 | Star on Walk of Fame | Leigh Town Hall |
| 2024 | BBC Sports Personality of the Year | BBC |
| 2024 | Sunday Times Sportswoman | The Sunday Times |
| 2024 | BASC Athlete of the Year | British Athletics Supporters Club |
| 2025 | MBE | King’s New Year Honours |
MBE Recognition: On May 13, 2025, Hodgkinson received her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at Windsor Castle from Prince William, who mentioned that his daughter Princess Charlotte is a keen runner inspired by Hodgkinson’s success.
Impact Statement: These accolades reflect Hodgkinson’s dual impact, athletic dominance and inspirational influence on the next generation of British athletes.
Who Are the Fastest Women to Ever Live?
The fastest women in recorded history span multiple track events. Florence Griffith-Joyner holds the 100m and 200m world records, while Jarmila Kratochvílová leads the 800m. Keely Hodgkinson ranks sixth in the 800m all-time list, making her one of the fastest middle-distance runners ever.
Fastest Women by Event (World Records)
| Event | Athlete | Time | Year | Clean Status |
| 100m | Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA) | 10.49 | 1988 | Questioned |
| 200m | Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA) | 21.34 | 1988 | Questioned |
| 400m | Marita Koch (GDR) | 47.60 | 1985 | Doping era |
| 800m | Jarmila Kratochvílová (TCH) | 1:53.28 | 1983 | Questioned |
| 1500m | Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) | 3:50.07 | 2015 | Clean |
| Marathon | Tigst Assefa (ETH) | 2:11:53 | 2023 | Clean |
Context on “Fastest Woman Ever”: This title is ambiguous because speed varies by distance. Sprinters like Griffith-Joyner reach higher top speeds (approximately 10.8 m/s), while 800m runners like Hodgkinson sustain speeds of 7.5 m/s for two laps.
Hodgkinson’s Standing: Within middle-distance running (800m–1500m), she’s among the elite, with only Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon (1500m specialist) matching her level of dominance in clean-era athletics.
Who Ran a Mile in Under 4 Minutes?
Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under 4 minutes, clocking 3:59.4 on May 6, 1954, at Oxford University’s Iffley Road Track. Since then, over 1,600 men have broken the barrier, but no woman has achieved a sub-4-minute mile.
Sub-4-Minute Mile Evolution
| Gender | Athlete | Time | Year | Milestone |
| Male | Roger Bannister (GBR) | 3:59.4 | 1954 | First sub-4 |
| Male | Hicham El Guerrouj (MAR) | 3:43.13 | 1999 | World record |
| Female | Sifan Hassan (NED) | 4:12.33 | 2019 | World record |
Women’s Mile Context: The women’s mile world record of 4:12.33 (by Sifan Hassan) remains 12+ seconds slower than the sub-4 barrier. Physiological differences in VO2 max and muscle composition make a women’s sub-4 unlikely in the near future.
Keely Hodgkinson’s Mile Capability: Though Hodgkinson specializes in 800m, her endurance base suggests she could run a mile in approximately 4:20–4:25, well below world record pace but exceptional for an 800m specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keely Hodgkinson’s fastest 800m time?
Keely Hodgkinson’s fastest outdoor 800m time is 1:54.61, set at the London Diamond League on July 20, 2024. Her indoor best is 1:54.87 (world record), set in Liévin on February 19, 2026.
How many Olympic medals has Keely Hodgkinson won?
Keely Hodgkinson has won 2 Olympic medals: silver at Tokyo 2020 (1:55.88) and gold at Paris 2024 (1:54.61, British record).
What is Keely Hodgkinson’s world ranking in 2026?
As of February 2026, Keely Hodgkinson is ranked #2 in the world for women’s 800m, per World Athletics official rankings.
How does Keely Hodgkinson’s 1:54.61 compare to men’s times?
Hodgkinson’s 1:54.61 would rank her approximately 1,200th all-time among male 800m runners. The men’s world record is 1:40.91 (David Rudisha, 2012), a 13.70-second gap reflecting physiological differences.
Has Keely Hodgkinson won a World Championship gold medal?
No. Hodgkinson has won 2 World Championship silver medals (2022, 2023) and 1 bronze (2025). Her Olympic gold in 2024 remains her only senior global championship title.
What percentage of Keely Hodgkinson’s races has she won?
From 2021–2025, Hodgkinson won approximately 75% of her 800m races, with most losses coming to Athing Mu (USA) and Mary Moraa (Kenya) in major championships.
How much faster has Keely Hodgkinson gotten since Tokyo 2020?
Hodgkinson improved by 1.27 seconds from Tokyo (1:55.88) to her current PB (1:54.61), a 1.12% improvement that ranks among the steepest development curves in modern 800m history.
What is the age profile of elite 800m runners?
Peak performance in women’s 800m typically occurs between ages 24–28. At 23, Hodgkinson is entering her prime years, suggesting further improvement is likely.
How many sub-1:55 800m times has Keely Hodgkinson run?
As of February 2026, Hodgkinson has run sub-1:55 three times: 1:54.61 (outdoors), 1:54.87 (indoors), and 1:54.93 (outdoors). Only 8 women in history have broken 1:55 more than twice.
What is Keely Hodgkinson’s career prize money total?
Estimated at £300,000–400,000 from 2021–2025, including Olympic prize money (Team GB pays £60,000 for gold), Diamond League bonuses, and championship rewards. Sponsorships dwarf prize money in total earnings.
Keely Hodgkinson Today: What’s Next?
As of February 2026, Keely Hodgkinson is injury-free, training at peak capacity, and targeting multiple goals: defending her Olympic title in 2028, breaking the outdoor world record, and establishing herself as the greatest 800m runner in clean athletics history.
Immediate 2026 Goals:
- World Indoor Championships (March 2026): Defend 2023 title and potentially lower indoor WR
- European Championships (June 2026): Third consecutive title defense
- Diamond League season: Target sub-1:54 outdoor runs
- World record attempt: Ideal conditions at high-altitude meet (e.g., Zürich, Monaco)
Long-Term Vision (2026–2028):
- Break Kratochvílová’s 1:53.28 outdoor world record
- Win 2028 Los Angeles Olympic gold
- Cement legacy as Britain’s greatest-ever middle-distance runner
- Expand fashion/media presence beyond athletics
Legacy Considerations: If Hodgkinson maintains her trajectory, she could retire by 2030 with 3 Olympic medals, multiple world records, and a cultural impact rivaling Jessica Ennis-Hill. Her blend of athletic dominance and mainstream appeal positions her as the face of modern British athletics.
At 23, Keely Hodgkinson isn’t just fast, she’s redefining what’s possible for women’s middle-distance running in the clean era. The world record is within reach. The question is no longer “if,” but “when.”
