Amazing moment Keely Hodgkinson smashes British record to become sixth fastest woman EVER ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics
KEELY HODGKINSON has smashed the British record in the 800m ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The middle-distance runner won the London Diamond League and became the sixth-fastest woman in history in the distance.
Hodgkinson, 22, ran her 800m in just 1:54.61 as she became the favourite to excel at the Paris Olympics which start on July 26.
She was leading the race throughout and broke free of compatriot Jemma Reekie in the last 100m.
Reekie had to settle for second place, while Georgia Bell took third place as they both set personal bests.
As she crossed the finish line, Hodgkinson looked shocked at her amazing achievement.
The fastest time in the event by a woman is still held by Czech Republic runner Jarmila Kratochvilova.
She ran a 1:53.28 in Munich, Germany in 1983.
Cuban athlete Ana Fidelia Quirot’s 1:54.44 is the fifth-fastest time in the women’s 800m.
Fans were left in disbelief at Hodgkinson’s effort as they reacted on social media.
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One posted: “Incredible!”
A second wrote: “Wow and wow, it is a beauty to watch.”
A third commented: “Our best chance for gold on the track.”
A fourth said: “There’s no stopping this girl! Insane.”
Another added: “Looking sharp before the Olympics.”
As a reward for breaking the British record, Hodgkinson was handed a cheque worth $5,000 (£3870).
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill hailed Hodgkinson after her run.
She told the BBC: “Keely Hodgkinson delivers all the time, she pushes herself to the next level.
“Reekie was chasing her but it didn’t faze her at all and she was on an absolute mission to run a blistering time.”
Elsewhere Matt Hudson-Smith also set a British record as he completed the men’s 400m in 43.74.
