Keely Hodgkinson breaks long-standing indoor 800m world record
BBC World
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Keely Hodgkinson made history by shattering the women's indoor 800m world record at a meet in Lievin, France. Clocking an impressive time of 1:54.87, she eclipsed Jolanda Ceplak's 20-year-old mark of 1:55.82, which had stood since March 3, 2002. Hodgkinson expressed her joy post-race, adorned with a golden crown, reflecting on the significance of the achievement.
The journey to this milestone was not without hurdles. Hodgkinson had previously aimed for the record at her own event in February 2022 but faced setbacks due to hamstring injuries. However, after an extensive recovery period and rigorous training under the M11 group, she bounced back stronger. This resilience earned her the nickname 'Keely 2.0' among peers, highlighting her remarkable progress in strength and power.
The record-breaking performance is a testament to Hodgkinson's determination and skill. It not only cements her legacy as one of Britain's elite athletes but also opens new possibilities for future achievements. With upcoming events like the world indoors in Poland on her radar, Hodgkinson is poised to continue making history.
This milestone underscores the potential for young athletes to redefine limits in athletics. Hodgkinson's success, following years of perseverance and overcoming injuries, serves as an inspiration. Experts like Jenny Meadows and Allison Curbishley have lauded her performance, noting it sets a new benchmark and hints at even greater
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026