Keely Hodgkinson Shatters Records at UK Indoor Championships!

In an electrifying display of athletic prowess, Keely Hodgkinson has not only broken her own national record but has set the stage for an ambitious pursuit of the world indoor record. Competing at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, the 23-year-old athlete clocked an impressive time of 1:56.33 in the heats, surpassing her previous British 800m mark by nearly one second. This extraordinary feat marks the fastest women's indoor 800m race in 24 years, placing Hodgkinson as the third-fastest in history.

Aiming for Greatness

Despite making strategic decisions about her competition schedule, Hodgkinson approached the heats with determination and focus. "I had to come to qualify for the Worlds and that is why I was only doing one round," she explained, emphasizing the significance of her performance as a personal challenge. With the World Indoor Championships on the horizon in Poland, her sights are now set on breaking Jolanda Ceplak's long-standing world record of 1:55.82. Hodgkinson's confidence shines through as she states, "I feel like it is my record to break. We'll give it a good go."

Celebrating More Champions

The achievements did not end with Hodgkinson. On the same day, Dina Asher-Smith delivered a remarkable performance in the women's 60m, clinching the title with a championship record time of 7.05 seconds. Asher-Smith expressed her feelings of exhilaration, noting, "Sometimes you just have to be patient, get race-sharp and wait for the times to come." Her victory, a true testament to her resilience, reflects the positive spirit within the UK athletics community.

Additional standout performances included Jeremiah Azu retaining his title in the men's 60m, Molly Caudery clearing 4.65m to reclaim the women's pole vault crown, and Lucy Hadaway’s impressive leap of 6.45m in the women's long jump. These victories serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication among the athletes competing at the championships.

As the UK Indoor Athletics Championships continue to unfold, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these athletes as they inspire future generations. Their commitment and excellence in the face of competition highlight the vibrant culture of athletics in the UK.