Injury-Free Keely Hodgkinson Sets Sights on Big Wins After Brilliant Indoor Debut

Reigning Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has opened up about her indoor schedule after making her debut at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships on Saturday.

Keely Hodgkinson was in a class of her own as she clocked a British indoor 800m best of 1:56.33 to win her heat.

The world 800m bronze medallist, however, did not proceed to the final, as she had earlier explained that her main priority would be competing at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting in Lievin.

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Keely Hodgkinson explained that her 2026 indoor debut was an enjoyable experience, explaining that she felt calm overall despite carrying some pre-race tension that had lingered since late last year.

The Briton shared that being back on the track meant a great deal to her after missing significant competition time previously, adding that she now wants to embrace every racing opportunity available.

Keely Hodgkinson also noted that she is currently in excellent physical condition and, most importantly, injury-free, something she described as especially meaningful given her past struggles, which allows her to fully capitalise on her preparation.

She added that the still conditions on the day were favourable and contributed to a pleasant racing environment, even if some minor aspects off the track were less ideal, ultimately expressing her happiness to be competing again.

“Yeah, it was a lot of fun. I was pretty relaxed. I had a few nerves, since last October, I think. But I enjoy racing. I missed a lot of it last year, so I want to take every opportunity I can. I'm in really good shape. I'm healthy. Healthy is what I've not had for a long time, so I can make the most of it, you know,” Keely Hodgkinson told reporters.

“The weather's going to be good, to be honest, there's no wind, there's no people getting in like it's such a, just a still day. So, that's nice, but an indoor coffee afterwards is not very nice. But yeah, it was a lot of fun out there, and I'm happy to be here.”

Keely Hodgkinson added that she is scheduled to race in Liévin on the 19th, explaining that the plan for the event had been in place for about six months and had always been a key focus.

She mentioned that the timing of the trials, which fell just before the race, created a bit of a compromise in balancing both priorities.

Despite that, she expressed satisfaction with being able to get her competition in ahead of the meeting in Lievin and looked forward to building on what she hopes will be a very strong week of preparation.

“Yeah, I'm going to race in Lievin on the 19th. It's like four or five days' time. We planned that like six months ago, so that was always our focus, and then we heard the trials were just before, so kind of compromising the best of both and yeah, just happy to get everyone out before next week and go into a hopefully really strong week,” she shared.

Keely Hodgkinson explained that she does not really feel external pressure, describing any tension as self-imposed because she knows her goals and what she is capable of achieving.

She emphasised that this stage of competition is meant to be enjoyable rather than a stressful part of the journey, highlighting that it represents the culmination of her training.

Hodgkinson added that being in peak condition allows her to perform at her best, putting on a strong display for herself while also aiming to provide an exciting experience for the spectators.

“Honestly, I don't even feel the pressure. I don't really feel it. If anything, it's pressure on myself because I know what I want to do and I know what I'm capable of. This is meant to be the fun part,” she said.

“It's not meant to be part of the journey. This is what I train to do. So if I can come back here and be in the best shape of my life and put on a bit of a show, then that's great for me, and hopefully it's great for everyone else as well.”