Keely Hodgkinson Ends 2025 Season with Eyes on Historic 800m World Record

The Olympic champion draws fresh inspiration from track legends and vows to chase one of athletics’ longest-standing records.

Keely Hodgkinson, Britain’s 800m Olympic champion, has set her sights on breaking the elusive world record in the women’s 800 metres. As she wraps up an injury-disrupted season at the Athlos meet in New York City, the 23-year-old expressed her growing belief that the record  standing strong since 1983  can finally be challenged.

A Record That Has Defied Generations

The world record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 remains one of the longest-standing in athletics. Many of the world’s top athletes have tried to break it, but the time has proved stubbornly unshakeable. Hodgkinson, currently the sixth-fastest woman ever over 800m, has a personal best of 1:54.61  just over a second away.

“It’s going to take an incredible day, everything to go right,” she said. “We just have to believe. Everyone’s getting faster, and technology is helping us get faster. Just, why not? We’ll give it a go one day.”

Inspiration from Track Icons

Hodgkinson revealed that her motivation was reignited by Faith Kipyegon, the 1500m world record holder and three-time Olympic champion. Kipyegon made headlines this year when she attempted to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.

“All it takes is one person to even think it’s possible,” Hodgkinson reflected. “I had never even thought about a woman going sub-four for the mile. Now it seems more possible than ever.”

Overcoming a Difficult Season

The 2025 season has been anything but smooth for Hodgkinson. After securing a bronze medal at last month’s World Athletics Championships, she has only competed in five races this year. Injuries forced her to miss much of the calendar, including her own indoor meet  the inaugural Keely Klassic.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there again,” she told reporters. “It’s nice to just end it here.”

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A Return to the Track at Athlos

Hodgkinson’s comeback will culminate with her sixth race of the year at the women’s-only Athlos meet in New York. The event, known for bringing high-energy athletics to iconic venues, will give her a final chance to test herself before turning her focus to 2026. Despite the setbacks, she remains optimistic and determined to push the boundaries of her sport.

Technology and Belief Driving the Future

Hodgkinson believes that advances in training, equipment, and track technology are closing the gap to record-breaking performances. With athletes continuously pushing their limits, she says the 800m world record may soon fall. “The sport is evolving. We’re faster, stronger, smarter. That record isn’t untouchable,” she said confidently.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While the curtain closes on her 2025 season, Hodgkinson has made it clear that she intends to come back stronger. Her focus will shift to building consistency and speed, setting the stage for a future world record attempt. For fans and fellow athletes, her journey embodies resilience and ambition at the highest level of sport.

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