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Keely Hodgkinson, who has just been crowned Sports Personality of the Year, is preparing to break the world record in the 800 meters short track in an inaugural event called “Keely Klassic” on February 15. The existing record of 1:55.82 was set by Jolanda. Ceplak of Slovenia, March 3, 2002 – coincidentally, the same day Hodgkinson was born.
The Olympic 800 meters gold medalist revealed her plans for the event, selected to take place at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, following her SPOTY accolade. At the ceremony, her mentors, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, also received the Coach of the Year award.
“I am beyond excited to announce the Keely Klassic, my first track race since becoming Olympic champion,” shared Hodgkinson enthusiastically.
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“This event aims to bring energy, passion and high-level sport to fans. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, with some of the UK’s best athletes taking part and a particular emphasis on the 800 m.
“I’m also excited to attempt to break the world record. It’s an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level while giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Posting a personal best of 1:57.18 over the distance – which serves as a national record – set last year at the Birmingham World Indoor Tour Finals, the 22-year-old’s previous season was cut short after Paris in due to a “small injury”. “.
The Keely Klassic has been confirmed as a bronze level meeting of the World Athletics Indoor Tour and is scheduled for the week before the British Indoor Championships at the same venue. The event listing on the Utilita Arena website boasts that the day will feature “renowned British athletics stars joining Keely to compete in various athletics disciplines” and promises to offer “a unique and immersive experience for fans.”
Keely Hodgkinson isn’t the only athlete – or Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) winner – hosting an event on next year’s tour. Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter who broke world records and won the World Sports Star of the Year award on Tuesday evening, is set to once again host his “Mondo Classic” pole vault gala » at the IFU Arena in Uppsala in March, marking its fourth edition. .
It’s been a monumental year for Hodgkinson professionally – but her latest announcement shows she’s more keen than ever to take her track running career to new heights.
