Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic 800m champion, is officially out of the Commonwealth Games set to kick off in Glasgow. This isn’t some last-minute drama, either; she elected not to enter the event, signaling her intention to skip it a long time ago.
A Strategic Choice for the Champ
The move makes sense when you look at her schedule. Like any top athlete, Hodgkinson is managing a super busy summer program, and she’s decided to put the European Athletic Championships first. Those kick off in Birmingham on August 10th. She’s not just any runner; this middle-distance star has already bagged the last two continental crowns in the 800m, grabbing the title two years ago right before winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Yeah, she’s that good.
Not the Only One Missing Out
Team England is still rolling deep with 63 athletes ready for the packed athletics program at Scotstoun Stadium, home of the Glasgow Warriors. But Hodgkinson isn’t the only big name missing. Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who was gunning for a three-peat after winning golds in the Gold Coast and Birmingham at the last two Games, has also pulled out due to injury.
On the flip side, we’ll see 200m World Championship silver medallist Amy Hunt hitting the track in the 100m, and she could even anchor a powerful English quartet looking to defend their sprint relay crown. And keep an eye on Scotland’s own Josh Kerr. He’s back in action after absolutely smashing the mile world record at the Diamond League event in London.
So, while Glasgow will be buzzing with athletic talent, Hodgkinson’s focus is laser-sharp on Birmingham. It’s gonna be epic to see her chase that third continental title.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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