‘It almost felt like a home Games in a weird way’

Keely Hodgkinson’s life changed forever when she won gold in the 800m at the Paris Olympics. She tells Jack Rathborn about her magical’ triumph and coping with the spotlight

-  Jack Rathborn

Keely Hodgkinson skips down the steps in the stands of the Utilita Arena Birmingham, inundated by dozens of young girls desperate for an autograph or selfie. The Olympic champion gladly bounces from corner to corner over several hours to satisfy her adoring fans at last month’s Keely Klassic. In fact,

Hodgkinson managed to work up a sweat despite not competin due to an ill-timed hamstring injury that dashed hopes of an indoor 800m world record.

Yet that setback has shone a light on the star Hodgkinson has become since that unforgettable summer evening in Paris, wh the 22-year-old surged clear of her competition to seize a dominant gold on that purple Stade de France track.

Hodgkinson has had an emotional start to 2025 – tears were shed last month when she sustained that hamstring injury, which ended her indoor season – but it has come with added perspective on her journey to date. Last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Hodgkinson has dazzled at non-athleti events such as the Brits and F1’s 2025 launch event, and she even appeared pitchside at Wembley for the Lionesses’ victory over world champions Spain.

“You feel inspired [at these kind of events],” a buoyant Hodgkinson tells The Independent after being included as one 50 exceptional women celebrated in the 2025 Influence List to mark International Women’s Day.

“It’s been nice to mingle with people from other sports and events and just see how they do it, especially the big ones at th top. It’s been good fun, I’ve always said I take the opportunitie when I can to meet new people and new cultures.”

Hodgkinson insists it remains “amazing to hear the stories fro little girls and boys who watched in Paris”, having repeatedly replayed that 800m final in her mind, right up until the eupho of accepting a crown moments after crossing the finish line.