Hodgkinson Breaks Women's Indoor 800m World Record in Lievin

Keely Hodgkinson broke the women's indoor 800m world record with a time of 1:54.87 at the World Indoor Tour Gold event in Liévin, France, shattering the previous mark set in 2002. The British athlete surpassed the long-standing record of Slovenian runner Jolanda Ceplak, achieving a historic milestone on the anniversary of Ceplak’s birth, according to BBC Sport.

Hodgkinson’s record run capped an impressive season following a challenging year marked by injuries. She had earlier set a world-leading time of 1:56.33 but specifically targeted the world record in Liévin, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Her preparation included dedicated training under coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, who played a pivotal role in her comeback and record-breaking performance.

The race was strategically planned to take place on a fast track designed to facilitate top times, with Hodgkinson demonstrating remarkable speed and endurance throughout the indoor event. France 24 emphasized the significance of her achievement in placing her among the all-time greats in women’s middle-distance running.

Looking ahead, Hodgkinson’s breakthrough sets her up as a strong contender for the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Poland. Her record performance not only cements her status as a leading figure in athletics but also raises expectations for her participation in future international competitions, as noted by multiple sources.