Keely Hodgkinson absolutely blew away the competition, powering to a dominant 800m victory at Athlos London in a custom-made, full-body speed suit. The 24-year-old Olympic champion crossed the finish line in a blistering one minute 56.40 seconds, securing her win in front of a sellout home crowd at StoneX Stadium and getting presented with a shiny Tiffany & Co crown instead of a medal. Talk about making an entrance!
Athlos London Delivered the Glam and the Green
This wasn’t just any track meet, folks. Athlos, created by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, hit London for the first time ever outside of New York, bringing serious energy and style. Hodgkinson popped out onto a stage, rocking this all-black aerodynamic outfit that had everyone buzzing. She even mentioned it was a long-term project with Nike, perfectly timed for this “speed meeting style, all women’s event.” And what an event it was! We’re talking a $65,000 top prize in each discipline, part of a total event prize pot of $1.05 million. Athletes hit a red carpet, there was a live trackside DJ, and American sprint legends Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson were among the champions. It felt like a party, and everyone was invited. The eye-catching suit itself was a marvel, with an open back, a hooded ponytail opening, and even color-changing 3D-printed details designed to cut drag. Paired with dark shades and Nike’s latest carbon-plated spikes, it was the ultimate power combo.
Hodgkinson Crowns a Mixed Year with a Smile
It’s been a wild ride for Hodgkinson this year, full of insane highs and frustrating lows. She absolutely crushed the indoor season, snagging her first world 800m title and smashing a 24-year world record. Expectations for her to break the longest-standing outdoor mark were through the roof. But then came the setbacks: a nasty fall in July during a cool-down, and a recurring hamstring injury that sidelined her for most of 2025 flared up again at the European Championships. She still managed to improve her British record this summer, but finished second to breakout star Audrey Werro twice. So, ending the season with this win, a shiny crown, and dancing on stage with the other champions? That’s how you bounce back. Sha’Carri Richardson crushed the 100m in 10.80 seconds, and Olympic 200m champ Gabby Thomas dominated her event in 22.13 seconds. Hodgkinson’s training partner, Georgia Hunter Bell, was edged out in the mile by Klaudia Kazimierska, which even had Alexis Ohanian himself watching trackside in disbelief. What a night!
Hodgkinson is now setting her sights on her first world outdoor title in 2027. If this performance is any indication, she’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out, because she’s just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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