Keely Hodgkinson takes Olympic gold after a series of silver medal performances

© Copyright – 2024 – Athletics Illustrated

Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson won the Olympic gold in the 800-metre distance after finishing second so many times. The 22-year-old crossed the line in 1:56.72. Ethiopian Tsige Duguma took second in 1:57.15 in a new personal best time. Mary Moraa of Kenya took third in 1:57.42.

Hodgkinson was second in the Tokyo Olympic Games, Eugene and Budapest World Championships and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

WAS THERE EVER ANY DOUBT?

🇬🇧's @keelyhodgkinson is the Olympic 800m champ 😤

1:56.72 for the 🥇 #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/F4JKSQTLn9

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 5, 2024

The race started out slow in comparison to how Hodgkinson and her primary rival Moraa race the Diamond League. Moraa cut across the entire field at the cut-in with authority. Hodgkinson held her position in first place surrounded by other athletes, and with 200m to go began to turn up the pace.

Moraa attempted to go around Hodgkinson on the final bend, but Hodgkinson was resolute and began to gap the field.

She finished well ahead and celebrated with what appeared to be relief with so much pressure to finally win a global championship.

Result