Keely Hodgkinson stormed to victory in the women’s 800m final at the European Athletics Championships in Munich on Sunday evening, claiming her first major senior title. The 21-year-old British athlete, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, crossed the line in a time of 1 minute 59.04 seconds, edging out France’s Sélane Serme in second place. Hodgkinson’s triumph came in her first major championship appearance at this distance, having previously won European gold in the 800m at the under-23 level in 2021. The event took place at the Olympiastadion, with Hodgkinson maintaining a strong pace throughout the race to secure her victory.
Keely Hodgkinson Crowned European 800m Champion in Munich
Keely Hodgkinson claimed the European 800m title in Munich, adding another prestigious accolade to her burgeoning career. The 21-year-old from Wigan crossed the line in a time of 1:59.15, securing her victory ahead of France’s Renelle Lamote and Belgium’s Elise Vanderelst.
Hodgkinson’s triumph comes just over a year after she won silver at the Tokyo Olympics. Her latest victory marks her first European Championship title, demonstrating her consistent progression in the middle-distance event.
The British athlete maintained a strategic pace throughout the race, positioning herself well for the final sprint. She surged ahead in the closing stages, leaving her competitors behind to claim a decisive victory.
Hodgkinson’s coach, Trevor Painter, praised her performance post-race. “Keely ran a fantastic race,” Painter stated. “She executed her plan perfectly and showed great composure under pressure.”
The victory in Munich adds to Hodgkinson’s impressive resume, which includes a World Championship silver medal and multiple national titles. Her performance solidifies her status as one of the top 800m runners in the world.
Hodgkinson will now set her sights on future competitions, including the upcoming World Championships. Her continued success underscores her potential to dominate the event in the years to come.
Hodgkinson Secures Gold in Dominant European 800m Final
Keely Hodgkinson claimed the European 800m title in Munich, adding to her growing list of achievements. The 21-year-old British athlete crossed the finish line in a dominant performance, securing gold with a time of 1:59.15.
Hodgkinson’s victory marks her first European outdoor title, following her silver medal at the 2022 World Championships. She led from the front, taking control early in the race and maintaining her pace throughout.
The silver medal went to France’s Sian Ferch, who finished in 2:00.66. Bronze was awarded to Italy’s Elena Bellò, with a time of 2:00.74.
“Today was about executing my plan,” Hodgkinson said post-race. “I knew I had the strength to push through and come out on top.”
The race was closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with Hodgkinson’s performance drawing particular attention. Her strategic approach and physical prowess set her apart from the competition.
Hodgkinson’s coach, Trevor Painter, praised her discipline and focus. “She’s been working incredibly hard, and it’s paying off,” Painter noted. “Her dedication is evident in her results.”
The victory solidifies Hodgkinson’s status as a top contender in the 800m event. Her next challenge will likely be the World Championships, where she aims to improve on her previous silver medal.
British Runner Claims Top Spot in Munich's 800m Showdown
Keely Hodgkinson secured the European 800m title at the Munich 2022 European Championships. The British runner crossed the finish line in a time of 1:59.04, claiming the top spot in the showdown.
Hodgkinson’s victory marks her first major international title. The 20-year-old from Salford edged out France’s Renelle Lamote, who finished second in 1:59.49, with Italy’s Elena Bellò taking bronze in 2:00.50.
The race saw a strategic battle unfold in the final lap. Hodgkinson made her move with 200m to go, surging ahead of the pack to claim the lead.
“She’s a very strong runner,” said Hodgkinson’s coach, Trevor Painter, after the race. “She’s been working hard, and it’s paying off.”
Hodgkinson’s victory comes just months after she won silver at the World Championships in Eugene. Her performance in Munich solidifies her status as a rising star in middle-distance running.
The European Championships continued with other events, but Hodgkinson’s win stole the spotlight. Her gold medal adds to Great Britain’s tally in the athletics competition.
Hodgkinson’s triumph was met with praise from fellow athletes and fans alike. Her dominance in the 800m event has set the stage for future competitions.
With her eyes set on the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hodgkinson’s victory in Munich is a significant step. Her journey in the world of athletics continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
Hodgkinson's Victory Marks Milestone in European Athletics
Keely Hodgkinson secured her place in European athletics history last night, claiming the women’s 800m title at the Munich 2022 European Championships. The 20-year-old British athlete crossed the finish line in a time of 1:59.04, edging out Switzerland’s Jessica Gloor and Italy’s Elena Bellò.
Hodgkinson’s victory marks the first time a British woman has won the European 800m title since 1994. The last British champion, Kelly Holmes, achieved the feat in Helsinki, with a time of 1:56.68. Hodgkinson’s triumph in Munich comes eight years after Holmes’ victory, signalling a resurgence in British middle-distance running.
The Great Britain team celebrated another successful night in Munich, with Hodgkinson’s gold medal adding to the three medals won earlier in the championships. Team GB now boasts a total of seven medals, with three golds, two silvers, and two bronzes.
Hodgkinson’s coach, Trevor Painter, praised her performance, stating, “Keely has worked incredibly hard for this moment. Her dedication and determination have paid off tonight.” Painter, who has coached Hodgkinson since she was 14, expressed his pride in her achievement.
The victory caps off an impressive season for Hodgkinson, who previously won the silver medal at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July. Her performance in Munich solidifies her status as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world.
Munich Stage Sets for Hodgkinson's 800m Triumph
Keely Hodgkinson claimed the European 800m title at the Munich 2022 European Championships. The 20-year-old British athlete crossed the line in a time of 1:59.04, securing her first major outdoor title.
Hodgkinson’s victory came after a commanding performance in the final. She took the lead in the final 150 metres, holding off a strong challenge from Austria’s Victoria Hudson, who finished second in 1:59.87.
The British athlete’s triumph was her first major outdoor title. She had previously won the 800m gold medal at the 2021 European U23 Championships in Tallinn.
Hodgkinson’s coach, Trevor Painter, praised her performance. “She’s shown incredible maturity and composure today,” Painter said. “She’s executed her race plan perfectly and deservedly takes the title.”
The victory marks a significant milestone in Hodgkinson’s career. It comes just over a year after she won the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Hodgkinson’s time of 1:59.04 was the fastest of the year so far. It was also the fastest time run by a British woman in 2022.
Keely Hodgkinson’s triumph at the European Championships in Munich marks a significant milestone in her career. The 21-year-old from Bolton now holds both the European and Commonwealth titles in the 800m, cementing her status as a dominant force in middle-distance running. Her victory comes just months after a silver medal at the World Championships, indicating her rapid progress and readiness for future challenges.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Hodgkinson’s performance in Munich will be a confidence booster. She will now focus on maintaining her form and preparing for the global stage, where she aims to compete against the world’s best athletes. Her success also highlights the depth of talent in British athletics, inspiring the next generation of runners.
