Keely Hodgkinson reflected with pride on a second place finish at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship after revealing that she had been dealing with a torn hamstring.
The Olympic champion was beaten again by her great 800m rival Audrey Werro, who has emerged as the class of one of athletics’ most competitive events.
Werro got the better of Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol for a second time at a major championships this summer, following up European Championships gold by taking the $150,000 first prize in Budapest.
While disappointed to not be able to match the Swiss strider, Hodgkinson was nonetheless happy with her performance having suffered an injury in her Europeans defeat in Birmingham last month.
“On the outside, people might think I’m disappointed with that but I’m actually quite proud of how I approached that,” Hodgkinson explained to the BBC.
“When was Europeans? Three weeks, Four weeks ago. I unfortunately tore my hamstring during that race so I didn’t know if I was going to be here, it was touch and go, I was really on it with the rehab and everyone who helped me make the decision to come here.
“I was close and I was going for the win, but I’m proud of how I handled that. Another great race. It’s been a bit of a frustrating season, but I think overall, I’m finishing second in the world and I can’t really be too hard on myself for that. I look forward to racing Audrey again next season.”
Hodgkinson had appeared a level above the rest of the world’s best on her way to Olympic gold at Paris 2024 but has seen Werro emerge as a real force this season, and had to deal with the arrival of former 400m hurdler Broeders-Bol into the longer event.
The trio’s rivalry could well be a fascinating saga to follow over the next few years – and the Briton is excited about how her foes may push her on.
“I honestly love it,” Hodgkinson said. “I think it’s really great for our sport and for women’s sport to have so many amazing women pushing each other.
“I’m happy to be part of it. Hopefully next time I’ll come out on top.
“It’s always me there fighting, that’s something to be proud of and take into the future, I’m only 24, hopefully I’ll be around for a lot longer.”
