British middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson has etched her name into athletics history once again, breaking the women’s indoor 800 metres world record and continuing her rise as one of the sport’s most exciting talents.
Born in Atherton, Greater Manchester, on 3 March 2002, Hodgkinson first made headlines with her silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and went on to win Olympic gold in the women’s 800 m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In February 2026, the 23-year-old shattered the indoor 800 m world record at a meet in Liévin, France, clocking 1:54.87 — almost a full second faster than the previous mark set the day she was born in 2002.
Hodgkinson’s journey began with Leigh Harriers as a nine-year-old and quickly progressed through national competitions around Greater Manchester. Her record performance came just months after battling hamstring injuries that disrupted her 2025 season — a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit.
As well as the indoor world record, Hodgkinson holds the world indoor best for 600 m and is the British record holder in the 800 m, both indoors and outdoors. She’s also ranked among the fastest women ever over the distance.
