Team GB is on the hunt for more medals on Day 11 of Paris 2024, following Keely Hodgkinson’s superb gold in the women’s 800m final at the Stade de France. Hodgkinson, visibly emotional, confirmed her victory with a double glance at the scoreboard, finally securing the gold she missed out on in Tokyo three years ago. The 22-year-old’s gutsy finish in 1:56.72 saw her outpace Kenya’s Tsige Duguma and world champion Mary Moraa.
Reflecting on her triumph, Hodgkinson said, “It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’ve worked so hard for this.” Her composed performance from the start, where she surged ahead with clinical precision, showcased her relentless dedication. This victory not only mirrors Kelly Holmes’ 800m gold from Athens 2004 but also marks Great Britain’s first track gold since Mo Farah in 2016.
Three years ago, at just 19, Hodgkinson took silver in Tokyo, breaking Kelly Holmes’s British record. That achievement flipped her world upside down, thrusting her into the limelight and prompting significant life changes, including leaving university and moving out on her own. The pressure of living up to that initial success was immense, but Hodgkinson’s determination never wavered. Despite back-to-back silvers at the World Championships, she remained focused, her desire to clinch gold burning ever brighter.
This year, she vowed not to settle for second place again. Her preparation paid off as she set a new British record and personal best of 1:54.61 at the London Diamond League, the sixth-fastest 800m time ever. With the reigning champion Athing Mu absent from these Olympics, Hodgkinson seized the opportunity, blocking out the noise and delivering when it mattered most. “To deliver on this stage means everything,” she said, acknowledging the intense pressure she faced.
In addition to Hodgkinson’s triumph, Team GB celebrated a dramatic bronze in the triathlon mixed relay. Despite initially leading the race, they finished third in a thrilling photo finish. Beth Potter thought she had secured silver, only to be downgraded after a review showed she was narrowly beaten.
Today’s Olympic schedule for Team GB is packed with potential medal opportunities. Ben Maher, Scott Brash, and Harry Charles compete in equestrian jumping, while Sky Brown aims for another medal in skateboarding. Andrea Spendolini Sirieix is in the women’s 10m platform diving final, and Jacob Fincham-Dukes takes on the men’s long jump. In athletics, Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley compete in the men’s 1500m, Lizzie Bird in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, and Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita in the women’s 200m.
Josh Kerr’s 1500m final showdown with Jakob Ingebrigtsen is set to be a highlight, with the world champion Kerr aiming to dethrone the reigning Olympic champion. Additionally, the women’s 200m final features new 100m champion Julian Alfred and American star Gabby Thomas, with Asher-Smith and Neita hoping to join them.
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