Newly-crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year Keely Hodgkinson will make her track return with an attempt on the 800m indoor world record in February.
Hodgkinson, who won gold outdoors at the summer’s Olympics, is launching a new event, the Keely Klassic, at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on February 15.
The 21-year-old has not raced since Paris after seeing her season ended by a minor injury, but will return early next year ahead of bids for the European and World indoor titles.
The current indoor world record of 1.55.82 was set by Jolanda Ceplak of Slovenia and has, coincidentally, stood since the day Hodgkinson was born on March 3, 2002.
Hodgkinson had an indoor personal best of 1:57.18, the sixth fastest time in history, set in Birmingham last year, but ran 1:54.61 outdoors at this year’s London Diamond League meeting.
"I’m beyond excited to announce the Keely Klassic, my first track race since becoming Olympic Champion," said Keely Hodgkinson, with more details to be released in the New Year regarding the meet schedule and other participants. "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."
