Keely Hodgkinson made a dazzling return to competition at the Silesia Diamond League, storming to victory in the women’s 800m with a world-leading and meeting record time of 1:54.74.
In her first race since clinching Olympic gold in Paris last year, the 22-year-old Brit displayed her trademark control and power, banishing any doubts about her fitness after a hamstring injury kept her sidelined earlier this season.
Final Results:
- Keely Hodgkinson (GBR) – 1:54.74 MR WL
- Lilian Odira (KEN) – 1:56.52 PB
- Oratile Nowe (BOT) – 1:56.76 NR
- Raevyn Rogers (USA) – 1:57.52 SB
- Claudia Hollingsworth (AUS) – 1:57.67 AR
- Abbey Caldwell (AUS) – 1:57.70 PB
- Clara Liberman (FRA) – 1:58.82 PB
- Angelika Sarna (POL) – 1:59.08 PB
- Margarita Koczanowa (POL) – 1:59.90 PB
- Catriona Bisset (AUS) – 2:00.64 SB
- Gabriela Gajanová (SVK) – 2:01.17
- Anna Wielgosz (POL) – 2:01.60
DNF – Lisanne de Witte (NED) (Pacemaker)
The race saw Hodgkinson shadow pacemaker Lisanne de Witte through the opening 400m in 56.09 seconds before pulling away with authority in the final lap. She crossed the line almost two seconds ahead of her closest rival, signaling she is back to her very best and ready to dominate once again.
Hodgkinson’s winning mark was a significant upgrade on the previous world lead of 1:56.64 set by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma in May and stands as the second-fastest performance of her career, just shy of her British record 1:54.61 from London last year. Having endured the heartbreak of missing her own Keely Klassic earlier this year due to injury, this performance sends a clear message: the Olympic champion is back in business.