Georgia Hunter Bell headlined a sensational final day for Great Britain & Northern Ireland at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, leading a dramatic surge that saw the team claim three world titles in just 30 minutes.
In a performance that blended tactical brilliance with raw speed, Hunter Bell stormed to gold in the women’s 1500m, setting a British record of 3:58.53 and confirming her arrival as a global force. Her triumph was part of a remarkable British sweep that electrified the championships and lifted the team to second place in the medal standings.
The momentum began in the field, where Molly Caudery delivered a composed and technically superb display to win the women’s pole vault. Clearing each height on her first attempt, Caudery reached 4.80m with apparent ease before facing Slovenia’s Tina Šutej in a tense duel.
After both missed at 4.85m on their first tries, Caudery rose to the moment, producing a clean clearance that sealed her second World Indoor title. It was a victory forged through resilience, reflecting her journey back to the top after challenging seasons on and off the runway.
For Georgia Hunter Bell, the 1500m final unfolded as a masterclass in patience and race execution. Ethiopia’s Birke Haylom set a blistering early pace, stretching the field and forcing the contenders to respond. Hunter Bell, however, remained composed, tracking the leaders while positioning herself perfectly as the race developed.
With Australia’s Jessica Hull close behind, the Briton made her decisive move at the bell, reeling in Haylom before unleashing a powerful kick down the final stretch. Only Hull attempted to follow, but Hunter Bell proved unstoppable, crossing the line to claim her first world indoor title and etching her name into British athletics history.
Moments later, Keely Hodgkinson ensured the golden run continued with a commanding performance in the women’s 800m. From the gun, Hodgkinson imposed her authority on the race, dictating the pace and steadily pulling away from the field. Her winning time of 1:55.30 not only secured her first World Indoor title but also shattered a 27-year-old championship record.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Hodgkinson, who became the first British woman to win this event at the World Indoor Championships, further strengthening her reputation as one of the sport’s premier middle-distance talents.
Back on the track, Georgia Hunter Bell’s breakthrough resonated beyond her individual triumph. Her journey—from working in tech sales just two years ago to standing atop the world podium—captured the imagination of fans and highlighted the depth of talent within British athletics.
Her ability to handle the pressure of being a favorite, stay tactically disciplined, and deliver when it mattered most underscored her evolution into a complete athlete. The victory also symbolized a broader shift, with British women dominating across multiple disciplines at these championships.
The celebrations barely paused as attention turned to the women’s 4x400m relay, where a determined British quartet delivered a spirited performance. Featuring Dina Asher-Smith alongside emerging talents, the team faced stiff competition from experienced squads representing the United States and Spain.
Despite the challenge, the British runners produced a season’s best of 3:28.09 to finish fifth, with Hodgkinson delivering the fastest split of the final in a blistering 50.1 seconds. The race encapsulated the team’s fighting spirit and willingness to embrace new challenges on the global stage.
Beyond the headline-grabbing golds, there were also promising performances from rising stars. Ellen Barber impressed on her senior debut, achieving personal bests across multiple events, including the hurdles and 800m, and finishing with a pentathlon personal best.
Her performance added depth to the British campaign and signaled a bright future for the next generation of athletes coming through the ranks. The success of Josh Kerr earlier in the championships, where he claimed gold in the men’s 3000m, further reinforced Great Britain’s dominance in middle-distance events.
Alongside Hodgkinson’s triumph and Hunter Bell’s breakthrough, Kerr’s victory formed part of a golden haul that showcased the nation’s strength across both men’s and women’s competition.
Team GB Medalists – World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026
- Men’s 3000m: Josh Kerr – Gold
- Women’s 1500m: Georgia Hunter Bell – Gold
- Women’s 800m: Keely Hodgkinson – Gold
- Women’s Pole Vault: Molly Caudery – Gold