Newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson has set her sights on breaking the 800m indoor world record in February.
The 22-year-old Olympian, who has not raced since winning the 800m gold medal at the Paris games in the summer, was awarded the coveted BBC honour on Tuesday evening in Salford.
To celebrate the award and her Olympic success, Hodgkinson is launching a new event, the ‘Keely Klassic’ at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on 15 February, where she intends to mark her return to the track in style.
“I’m beyond excited to announce the Keely Klassic, my first track race since becoming Olympic champion,” said Hodgkinson.
“This event is all about bringing energy, passion, and top-tier athletics to the fans. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, with some of the UK’s best athletes competing, and a special focus on the 800m.
“I’m also thrilled to attempt to break the world record – this is an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level while giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”
It could be a case of Kismet for Hodgkinson as her target is Jolanda Čeplak’s 1:55.82, which was set on 3 March in 2002, coincidentally the day the Mancunian runner was born.
Hodgkinson, whose best times are 1:54.61 outdoors and 1:57.18 indoors, added: “We want to make this event an experience like no other – for athletes and fans alike.
“We’re creating an atmosphere that fuses the intensity of world-class sport with the energy and excitement of live entertainment.
“I can’t wait to be part of this new chapter and I’m excited for fans to witness history in the making.”
