What Secrets Helped Hodgkinson Shatter a 23-Year-Old World Record?

Keely Hodgkinson has made history by smashing the women's indoor 800m world record, finishing in an astonishing time of 1:54.87 at the track in Lievin, France. This remarkable achievement, which occurred on 19 February 2026, has established Hodgkinson as a formidable competitor following her battle with injuries. Her dedication and mindset have set her apart, and she now sets her sights on further records, including the long-standing outdoor world record.

Last updated: 19 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

Keely Hodgkinson's recent performance at the indoor 800m event in Lievin has not only rewritten the record books but also reignited interest in women's athletics in the UK and beyond. This victory comes after a challenging year for Hodgkinson, who overcame injuries that threatened her career just months prior. Her triumph is a testament to resilience and hard work, and it places her firmly in the spotlight as she prepares for upcoming competitions.

Key takeaways

Keely Hodgkinson set a new women's indoor 800m world record with a time of 1:54.87.
This record was achieved in Lievin, a venue known for its fast track.
Hodgkinson overcame significant injury setbacks, returning stronger than ever.
Her coach, Jenny Meadows, played a vital role in her training and mental preparation.
Hodgkinson aims to break the outdoor 800m world record, currently held since 1983.

Timeline: how we got here

Keely Hodgkinson's journey to the world record has been marked by significant milestones:

19 March 2002: Jolanda Ceplak sets the previous women's indoor 800m world record.
3 March 2002: Keely Hodgkinson is born.
February 2024: Hodgkinson sets a national record of 1:54.61 in London.
September 2025: Hodgkinson wins bronze at the World Athletics Championships.
19 February 2026: Hodgkinson breaks the indoor 800m world record in Lievin.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Keely Hodgkinson has officially set a new indoor world record for the 800m, achieving a time of 1:54.87. This surpasses the previous record that had stood for nearly 24 years, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.

What was already established

Prior to this record-breaking run, Hodgkinson had already made headlines by winning the Olympic 800m title in Paris 2024 and establishing a national record of 1:54.61 in February 2024. Her competitive journey has been marked by resilience, particularly during her battle with injuries in 2025.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Hodgkinson's success resonates beyond sports, inspiring many in the UK. Her achievements can uplift public interest in athletics, potentially leading to increased participation at grassroots levels and greater support for women's sports.

Businesses and jobs

Hodgkinson's victories can boost local businesses, particularly in areas related to sports and fitness. Increased media attention on her and women's athletics can lead to sponsorship opportunities and job creation within the sports industry.

Policy and regulation

The success of athletes like Hodgkinson may influence sports funding and policy, prompting governmental bodies to invest more in women's sports initiatives and facilities, thereby contributing to a more equitable sporting landscape in the UK.

Numbers that matter

1:54.87 - Hodgkinson's new indoor 800m world record time.
24 years - The duration the previous world record had stood since 2002.
1:54.61 - Hodgkinson's previous personal and national record set in London in 2024.
9 months - Time since Hodgkinson faced major injury setbacks.
43 years - The duration since the outdoor 800m world record was set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983.

Definitions and jargon buster

800m: A middle-distance running event in athletics that consists of two laps around a standard outdoor track.
World record: The best performance recorded in a specific athletic event, recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Lactic acid: A substance produced in the body during intense exercise, which can lead to muscle fatigue.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Hodgkinson will likely focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, where she is a favourite for gold.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the indoor championships, Hodgkinson will aim to target the outdoor 800m world record, which could involve strategic planning and adjustments to her training routine to maximise her performance.

Signals to watch

Upcoming race times and distances at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Progress reports on her training and health following recent injuries.
Performance comparisons with previous records in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Hodgkinson’s upcoming races closely for insights into her training and performance strategies.
Support local athletics clubs and initiatives promoting women's sports.
Stay informed about the impact of Hodgkinson's achievements on sports policy and funding.

Don’t

Underestimate the challenges faced by athletes in overcoming injuries and setbacks.
Ignore the importance of mental resilience in sports performance.
Dismiss the long-term significance of Hodgkinson's world record on future generations of athletes.

Checklist

Monitor Hodgkinson's race schedules and results.
Engage with community sports events and initiatives.
Review policies related to women's sports funding and support.
Follow expert commentary and analysis on Hodgkinson’s performance.
Consider participating in local athletics or running clubs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Hodgkinson's recent success is monumental, there are inherent uncertainties in athletics, especially concerning injury recovery and performance consistency. Athletes can face unpredictable factors such as physical health, competition pressure, and external circumstances that could affect their training and results.

Bottom line

Keely Hodgkinson's world record achievement has not only highlighted her incredible talent but also raised the profile of women's athletics in the UK. As she aims for further records, her journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the dedication required to excel in sports. The future looks promising, and Hodgkinson could become a defining figure in athletics.

FAQs

What is the significance of Keely Hodgkinson's world record?

Keely Hodgkinson's world record in the women's indoor 800m is significant as it not only breaks a long-standing record but also highlights her resilience and ability to overcome injuries, inspiring many in the athletics community.

How does Hodgkinson's time compare to the outdoor record?

Hodgkinson's indoor record time of 1:54.87 is still over a second slower than the outdoor 800m world record of 1:53.28, held since 1983. This provides her with a clear goal for future competitions.

What challenges has Hodgkinson faced in her career?

Hodgkinson has faced significant challenges, including injuries that affected her training and competition schedule. However, her determination and mental strength have enabled her to return to form and achieve record-breaking performances.