Keely Hodgkinson wrapped up a challenging season on a high note on Friday by winning the 800 meters at the all-women’s Athlos London track and field meet. Despite previous hamstring concerns, the British Olympic champion donned a black, hooded speedsuit, giving off a superhero vibe rather than that of a middle-distance runner. Hodgkinson dominated the race, pulling away from her competitors in the final 200 meters to clock an impressive time of 1 minute 56.40 seconds.
Expressing her delight with the event, Hodgkinson mentioned how she would have loved such opportunities when she was younger, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life. Following a second-place finish in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, she disclosed dealing with a hamstring tear from the European Championships in Birmingham a few weeks earlier. Despite a rare split hamstring tendon diagnosis, Hodgkinson displayed no signs of injury during the event, showcasing her playful spirit in her unique attire reminiscent of Cathy Freeman at the 2000 Olympics.
Athlos, created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, aims to shine a fresh spotlight on women’s athletics by offering attractive prize money and athlete ownership opportunities with an entertainment-focused approach. The event in London featured innovative elements such as individual athlete walkouts, a raised stage for the long jump, and winners receiving custom Tiffany & Co. crowns.
American Sha’Carri Richardson, who triumphed in the 100 meters with a time of 10.80 seconds, highlighted Athlos’s global impact, noting its potential for further growth. The event featured streamlined competitions with no qualifying rounds, offering substantial prize money up to $65,000 for winners and a $250,000 bonus for breaking a world record.
In the long jump event, American Alyssa Jones expressed her excitement at winning and the financial reward, underscoring the significance of the prize money for her as a recent college graduate. The event also saw New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs and Canada’s Sade McCreath competing, with McCreath facing potential fatigue after a challenging season with her slowest time of the year.
Despite the absence of world record-breaking performances due to weather conditions and fatigue, athletes delivered thrilling performances at the Athlos London event. The competition witnessed intense races, such as the women’s mile where Klaudia Kazimierska edged out Georgia Hunter Bell at the finish line. Olympic champion Gabby Thomas and other athletes showcased their prowess in various disciplines, adding excitement and entertainment to the event.
