Editor’s be aware: Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from her assembly as a consequence of a hamstring harm. Nevertheless, she is going to present some class and help it at her assembly. Athletes ought to present up, hang around with followers, and assist construct the game after they should withdraw from meets. I’ve all the time preferred Keely Hodgkinson, however now, I respect her. Properly performed, Keely Hodgkinson! You’re a class act.
13/02/2025 – Birmingham, UK
Olympic 800m champion and BBC Sports activities Character of the Yr 2024, Keely Hodgkinson, has been pressured to withdraw from the Keely Klassic as a consequence of harm. Following her last coaching session earlier than the occasion, Keely skilled some soreness in her hamstring. A scan has since revealed a problem meaning she can not race this weekend, elevating questions on her capability to compete once more this winter. Nevertheless, Keely stays targeted on the speediest doable restoration and isn’t but ready to surrender on her ambition of racing on the World Indoor Championships in March.
It is a heartbreaking setback, particularly after getting herself into one of the best form of her profession. Nevertheless, Keely is set to make her presence felt in Birmingham on Saturday. The Keely Klassic was by no means nearly one race or one athlete. From the beginning, her imaginative and prescient was to assist elevate British athletics, create an occasion that spotlights homegrown expertise, and construct a deeper reference to followers, particularly younger supporters.
Keely will nonetheless be on the Utilita Area on Saturday, absolutely engaged within the occasion, supporting the athletes and making certain the followers—whom she was so excited to race for—have an unforgettable expertise. She’s going to meet supporters, work together with younger athletes, and assist create the electrical environment she all the time wished this occasion to create.
“I gained’t lie—I shed a tear after I obtained the information this afternoon. I’ve labored so arduous for this second and was in one of the best form of my life. I’m gutted that I gained’t be capable to race for the followers, particularly after so many have purchased tickets to see me attempt to break the world report. However this occasion was by no means nearly me—it was all the time about showcasing British expertise, creating one thing new for the game, and bringing extra vitality and leisure to athletics. That’s one thing I’m dedicated to for the long run.
I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday, doing all the pieces I can to make sure it’s a incredible night time for the athletes and the followers. I wish to assist create an genuine pageant environment, have interaction with as many younger folks as doable, and hopefully encourage the following technology to fall in love with observe and area. I can’t wait to see some unimaginable performances, and I’ll be cheering on each athlete who steps on the observe.”
The Keely Klassic will proceed as deliberate, with a number of the UK’s greatest athletes trying nationwide data and performing world-class performances. The occasion shall be broadcast reside on BBC iPlayer and streamed internationally, making certain followers at dwelling can take part in what guarantees to be an exhilarating night time for British athletics.