by Stuart Weir
The Keely Klassic
On Saturday 15th February at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham there will be a new and innovative track meet, the Keely Klassic, called after the star of the show 800m Olympic champion, Keely Hodkinson. The event is promoted by Keely’s management.
The center-piece will be the women’s 800m billed as Keely’s attempt to break the longstanding world 800m short track record. The current world record of 1.55.82 was set by Jolanda Ceplak of Slovenia on 3rd March 2002 – the very day that Keely was born. You could not make it up!
Keely’s quote attributed to Keely on the event was: “I’m beyond excited to announce the Keely Klassic, my first track race since becoming Olympic Champion. This event is all about bringing energy, passion, and top-tier athletics to the fans. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, with some of the UK’s best athletes competing, and a special focus on the 800m. I’m also thrilled to attempt to break the world record – this is an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level while giving back to the sport that has given me so much.
“We want to make this event an experience like no other – for athletes and fans alike. “We’re creating an atmosphere that fuses the intensity of world-class sport with the energy and excitement of live entertainment. I can’t wait to be part of this new chapter, and I’m excited for fans to witness history in the making.”
The press release stated further: “The Keely Klassic will be a celebration of athletics, showcasing the incredible talent in British sport and providing a unique, immersive experience for fans. The meeting will combine elite competition with an electrifying atmosphere, enhanced by a blend of music and athletics that promises to captivate spectators and athletes alike. With new sports like CrossFit, Hyrox and padel tennis coming in, athletics needs to be innovate/fun/engaging to attract large crowds”.
Details are still being released but in addition to the 800 and 1500m races, there will be races at 300 and 600 and 1000m, giving opportunities to break records for these rarely run distances. Among athletes participating will be Jake Wightman, Georgia Bell and Lina Nielsen. Molly Caudery, 2024 World Indoor champion, will compete in pole vault.
