Keely Hodgkinson Aims for Third European 800m Title in Birmingham

Keely Hodgkinson is set to compete for her third consecutive European 800m title in Birmingham, aiming to reaffirm her status as a leading athlete following a challenging outdoor season.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion has celebrated significant achievements in 2026, including breaking the indoor 800m world record and winning her first world title. However, she faced setbacks, including a second-place finish to Audrey Werro at the Stockholm Diamond League and a withdrawal from the 400m final at the British Championships due to a muscle issue.

Despite these challenges, Hodgkinson recently secured a victory over Femke Broeders-Bol at the London Diamond League and has been preparing in Portugal. Competing in front of a home crowd, she expressed that winning gold in Birmingham would be incredibly meaningful, marking her fifth European title overall. Hodgkinson's experience may give her an edge over her rivals, as she prepares for what she anticipates will be a thrilling race.