‘I’ve worked so hard for this’: Keely Hodgkinson revels in 800m Olympic gold

Team GB’s Keely Hodgkinson celebrated with a crown after her hard-won victory in the women’s 800m final. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Keely Hodgkinson believes she is capable of handling the “life­-changing” experience of ­becoming an Olympic gold medallist after ­backing up pre-event favouritism with a ­dominant win in the 800m final in Paris.

The 22-year-old, who claimed silver in Tokyo three years ago, admitted she was well aware of pre‑Paris expectation on her. How the Team GB member delivered, hitting the front inside the first lap and never giving up the lead. Hodgkinson believes she has plenty more to achieve in her sport.