by runblogrunstg
Editor’s note: Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from her meeting due to a hamstring injury. However, she will show some class and support it at her meeting. Athletes should show up, hang out with fans, and help build the sport when they have to withdraw from meets. I have always liked Keely Hodgkinson, but now, I respect her. Well done, Keely Hodgkinson! You are a class act.
13/02/2025 – Birmingham, UK
Olympic 800m champion and BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024, Keely Hodgkinson, has been forced to withdraw from the Keely Klassic due to injury. Following her final training session before the event, Keely experienced some soreness in her hamstring. A scan has since revealed an issue that means she cannot race this weekend, raising questions about her ability to compete again this winter. However, Keely remains focused on the speediest possible recovery and is not yet prepared to give up on her ambition of racing at the World Indoor Championships in March.
This is a heartbreaking setback, especially after getting herself into the best shape of her career. However, Keely is determined to make her presence felt in Birmingham on Saturday. The Keely Klassic was never just about one race or one athlete. From the start, her vision was to help elevate British athletics, create an event that spotlights homegrown talent, and build a deeper connection with fans, especially young supporters.
Keely will still be at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, fully engaged in the event, supporting the athletes and ensuring the fans—whom she was so excited to race for—have an unforgettable experience. She will meet supporters, interact with young athletes, and help create the electric atmosphere she always wanted this event to create.
“I won’t lie—I shed a tear when I got the news this afternoon. I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans, especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record. But this event was never just about me—it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics. That’s something I’m committed to for the long term.
I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday, doing everything I can to ensure it’s a fantastic night for the athletes and the fans. I want to help create an authentic festival atmosphere, engage with as many young people as possible, and hopefully inspire the next generation to fall in love with track and field. I can’t wait to see some incredible performances, and I’ll be cheering on every athlete who steps on the track.”
The Keely Klassic will proceed as planned, with some of the UK’s best athletes attempting national records and performing world-class performances. The event will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and streamed internationally, ensuring fans at home can participate in what promises to be a thrilling night for British athletics.
