KEEP AN EVEN KEEL

Hodgkinson must beware the pitfalls of new-found fame

- JEREMY CROSS

SHE romped to Olympic glory to crown herself as the new golden girl of British sport.

But the biggest test for Keely Hodgkinson is still to come.

It’s called being famous.

Countless sportspeople like her have tried it before – and found there is a dark side to fame.

Leah Williamson led the Lionesses to Euros glory on home soil in 2022, then admitted she hated being slap bang in all the limelight.

The ironic aspect of this scenario is that athletes like Hodgkinson cannot help being gifted at their chosen profession.

And while most who make it to the top might be embarrassed to admit it, fame comes hand-in-hand with benefits like wealth, adoration, access and validation.

But it also brings along intrusion and being more prone to judgment and criticism, not to mention leaving the person in question having to think long and hard about the company he or she keeps.