Hodgkinson Dominates Lausanne Diamond League on Stunning Comeback
Keely Hodgkinson has once again shown the world why she’s one of Britain’s brightest athletics stars. Just days after returning from a year-long injury hiatus, she claimed her second straight victory in impressive fashion at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland. The 23-year-old clocked an incredible 1 minute 55.69 seconds in the 800m, setting a new meeting record despite rainy, challenging conditions. This performance comes only four days after her first race back, ending a 376-day absence following her gold medal at Paris 2024 and a season interrupted by multiple hamstring injuries.
Hodgkinson’s training partner, Georgia Hunter Bell, finished third in 1:57.55, just behind Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who took second with 1:57.34. Even with these strong competitors, Hodgkinson’s class was undeniable. Her ability to power away on the final lap highlighted the level at which she’s operating, reinforcing her position as a favorite for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. Remarkably, this victory came just weeks after she ran the ninth-fastest time in history, narrowly missing her personal best. At a recent press conference, Hodgkinson hinted she might push for even faster times, showing her competitive mindset as she fine-tunes her race-day performance.
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Speaking after her win, Hodgkinson shared her excitement, saying that everything felt perfect, and credited her coach, Trevor Painter, for keeping her on schedule despite the setbacks. She expressed optimism about staying healthy and continuing to build momentum ahead of the world championships. Hunter Bell, meanwhile, is preparing to make a decision on whether to compete in the 800m or 1500m in Tokyo. With a decorated career including an Olympic bronze in the 1500m, she has been weighing her options carefully and recently sought advice from British athletics legend Dame Kelly Holmes.
The race itself was a spectacle, with Hodgkinson’s pacing leaving rivals struggling to keep up. Even world-class competitors like Prudence Sekgodiso were unable to maintain her pace as Hodgkinson surged in the final 200 meters to secure a commanding victory. The win also broke Maria Mutola’s 2002 meeting record of 1:56.25, underscoring just how exceptional Hodgkinson’s performance was.
This triumph in Lausanne sends a clear message: Hodgkinson has returned from injury stronger than ever, and anyone facing her in the 800m will have a tough challenge ahead. Her seamless comeback demonstrates not only her physical resilience but also the mental strength needed to compete at the highest level. As the World Championships approach, all eyes will be on her to see if she can continue this remarkable form and chase another historic victory for Britain.
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