Keely Hodgkinson out of world record attempt at own meeting because of injury

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said she is “absolutely gutted” to be out of the Keely Klassic on Saturday afternoon with her entire indoor season now in doubt

Keely Hodgkinson is likely to miss the entire indoor season after withdrawing from Saturday’s 800m world record attempt with a hamstring injury.

Olympic champ Hodgkinson was eyeing a tilt at the 22-year-old indoor mark set by Jolanda Ceplak at her own Keely Klassic meet in Birmingham but pulled up in a final training session yesterday.

And a scan has shown damage that could leave her sidelined until after next month’s world championships in China.

“I won’t lie, when I got the news I shed a tear,” Hodgkinson said. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans, especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.”

It is the third time in a year that Hodgkinson has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

She missed the entire 2024 indoor season because of a problem that also impacted her knee.

And after storming to gold in Paris last August declared plans to lower her personal best were also derailed by an injury.

Hodgkinson’s camp have continuously stressed their focus is on the long-term with her coaches eventually eyeing an attempt at the notorious outdoor record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983.

The current indoor mark of 1:55.82 was set on the day Hodgkinson was born by Ceplak. But the record has been tainted by the Slovenian serving a doping ban later in her career.

The Keely Klassic will continue as scheduled without its biggest star.

Olympic bronze medallist Georgia Hunter-Bell, who is eyeing a British 1500m record, becomes the biggest name remaining on the startlist.

Former men’s 1500m world champion Jake Wightman had already withdrawn because of an injury.

Hodgkinson, who will still be at Utilita Arena to meet fans, added: “This event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”

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