Keely Hodgkinson 'gutted' to pull out of 800m world record attempt with hamstring injury - 'I shed a tear'

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Keely Hodgkinson has been forced to withdraw from her attempt to break the women's indoor 800m record at her own event in Birmingham this weekend. The Olympic champion suffered a hamstring injury in training on Wednesday and will now shift her focus to the World Indoor Championships, which take place in Nanjing in March. Hodgkinson was looking to break the 1:55.82 clocked by Jolanda Ceplak.

Watch thrilling finish as Hodgkinson grabs gold for Team GB in 800m

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Keely Hodgkinson is "gutted" that she has been forced to withdraw from her own event in Birmingham with a hamstring injury.

The Olympic champion was set to host the ‘Keely Klassic’ at the Utillita Arena, where she was aiming to break the women’s indoor 800m world record.

Hodgkinson claimed 800m gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in a time of 1:56.72, almost half a second clear of Ethiopian Tsige Duguma in second.

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The current women's 800m indoor record was set by Jolanda Ceplak, who recorded a time of 1:55.82 nearly 23 years ago.

Hodgkinson’s current indoor personal best is 1:57.18, which she recorded in Birmingham in 2023, clocking a British record in the process.

The Briton, 22, will now focus her attention on the World Indoor Championships in March, which take place in Nanjing, China.

Hodgkinson revealed that she had felt some soreness in a training session on Wednesday, and a scan confirmed that she would not be able to partake in Birmingham this weekend.

The ‘Keely Klassic’ would have been Hodgkinson’s first competitive race since the Paris Olympics, but fans will be forced to wait at least another month before seeing her in action again.

Hodgkinson said that she "shed a tear" when she discovered that she would not be able to compete at her own event.

"I won’t lie, when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear," she said via PA Media.

"I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans, especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.

"But this event was never just about me - it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics. That’s something I’m committed to for the long term.

"I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it’s an amazing night for the athletes and the fans. I want to help create a real festival atmosphere, engage with as many young people as possible, and hopefully inspire the next generation to fall in love with track and field.

"I can’t wait to see some incredible performances, and I’ll be cheering on every athlete who steps on the track."

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