Lilian Odira Speaks Ahead of Keely Hodgkinson, Gergia Hunter Bell Rematch at Prefontaine Classic
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Lilian Odira has expressed confidence ahead of the clash against Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic.
The reigning world champion has yet to begin her 2026 season, but has since been confirmed for the clash in Eugene, pitting her against her rivals, whom she topped at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Competing at the event last year, Lilian Odira clocked a championship record time of 1:54.62 ahead of Georgia Hunter Bell and Keely Hodgkinson, who came in second and third, respectively, in times of 1:54.90 and 1:54.91.
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Lilian Odira Excited to Race Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell
Ahead of the clash, the 800m sensation has expressed that she is looking forward to the clash. In a comment on World Athletics’ Instagram page, Lilian Odira said: “Can’t wait.”
In the post, World Athletics had a poll on who is likely to win the race, and fans had unanimously voted for Keely Hodgkinson, following her record-breaking run in Lievin.
Keely Hodgkinson started her season at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships before heading to the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF, where she broke the indoor 800m world record, clocking 1:54.87 to win the race.
She has since expressed confidence in breaking the 800m outdoor world record, with the field in Eugene already setting up a conducive environment for that.
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"It's not an easy feat, and there's a reason it has stood for so long," Keely Hodgkinson said in an interview with BBC Sport.
"I think this is the closest I've felt near it. I do really believe that we can break it, but a lot of things have got to come together."
On her part, Georgia Hunter Bell has also been impressive this season, following her impressive start to the season.
The world 800m silver medallist clocked an impressive 4:00.04 at the INIT Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe before winning the 1500m at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophée EDF in 4:00.21.
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