Sports Personality of the Year 2024: Keely Hodgkinson ‘pretty close’ to 800m world record
In another outstanding season, Hodgkinson remained unbeaten over two laps and battled illness to defend her European title, her first major outdoor title of 2022.
Her improved British record at the London Diamond League in July not only confirmed that she was ready to take the next step on the podium in Paris, but also put Kratochvilova’s hitherto untouched record within reach.
“We’re always going to push those boundaries and try to break world records, whether it’s indoors or outdoors,” Painter said.
“Whether that will happen in 2025, we have to wait and see, but we will do our best to make it happen.”
Hodgkinson has returned to training in South Africa in recent weeks after a minor hamstring injury ended her 2024 season ahead of the defending Diamond League champions.
But she admits she struggled mentally after her breakthrough climax at the inaugural Olympics in Tokyo, but her determination is unwavering and she is ready to chase more history and, in her own words, become Britain’s all-time great One of the greatest athletes of all time.
The World Indoor Championships will be held in Nanjing, China, in March, and the outdoor gold medal will be held in Tokyo in September.
“I think I found a real joy in competing this year,” Hodgkinson said.
“I really like London (Diamond League), I like Prefontaine (Classic), I like Paris.
“I love performing in front of a crowd and having people support me and win for them.
“So I’m just looking forward to continuing that way.”
