Keely Hodgkinson wants to surpass Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 record of 41 years old for the women’s 800 meters.
Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is intent on making history by shattering the long-standing women’s 800m world record—a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1983.
Hodgkinson, who is only 22 years old, is driven to achieve her goals by a combination of her recent successes, the advancement of sports science, and her own belief that she is capable of exceeding the standards established decades before.
More than forty years ago in Munich, Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova set the current world record, which is a scorching 1:53.28.
This record is among the oldest in track history since it has endured multiple challengers despite the passage of time and advancements in training regimens.
After winning the gold medal in the 400 meters in Paris with a time of 1:56.72, Hodgkinson feels she is about to change the course of history. Her result in July in London, where she dramatically reduced the deficit with a time of 1:54.61, gave her more confidence.
According to the BBC, Hodgkinson stated, “It’s definitely something I’ve thought about since I raced in London.”
“I believe that record has lasted a very long time. I would love to hit [one minute and 53 seconds] because it has been a long time since someone has done so. I believe I am capable. I think I can pull that off now.
Hodgkinson largely credits the scientific and technological advancements in athletics for her optimism.
“I think we should embrace the science that’s coming up in sports and the technology that’s helping us get closer to these world records,” the woman said.
Her goal is to not only shatter the record but also establish a new benchmark for upcoming athletes.
Hodgkinson intends to compete nonstop until the Diamond League final, which takes place in Brussels on September 13–14 and is her chance to win her third title.
After that, she intends to take a brief vacation before turning her attention to the World Championships the following year, a title she is keen to capture.
Hodgkinson said, “The worlds, late September into mid-October in Tokyo, that’s the (gold) medal I don’t have.”
“It would be fantastic to try and do that next year. I have European gold, Olympic gold, but no world gold.”
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