Editor’s be aware: Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from her assembly as a consequence of a hamstring harm. Nonetheless, she’s going to present some class and assist 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 at all times appreciated Keely Hodgkinson, however now, I respect her. Effectively executed, 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 compelled to withdraw from the Keely Klassic as a consequence of harm. Following her remaining coaching session earlier than the occasion, Keely skilled some soreness in her hamstring. A scan has since revealed a difficulty which means she can not race this weekend, elevating questions on her capability to compete once more this winter. Nonetheless, Keely stays targeted on the speediest potential 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 the very best form of her profession. Nonetheless, Keely is decided 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 Enviornment on Saturday, totally engaged within the occasion, supporting the athletes and guaranteeing 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 ambiance she at all times wished this occasion to create.
“I received’t lie—I shed a tear once I acquired the information this afternoon. I’ve labored so exhausting for this second and was in the very best form of my life. I’m gutted that I received’t be capable of race for the followers, particularly after so many have purchased tickets to see me attempt to break the world file. However this occasion was by no means nearly me—it was at all times 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 every part I can to make sure it’s a implausible evening for the athletes and the followers. I wish to assist create an genuine competition ambiance, have interaction with as many younger individuals as potential, and hopefully encourage the subsequent technology to fall in love with observe and subject. I can’t wait to see some unbelievable performances, and I’ll be cheering on each athlete who steps on the observe.”
The Keely Klassic will proceed as deliberate, with among the UK’s finest athletes making an attempt nationwide information and performing world-class performances. The occasion might be broadcast stay on BBC iPlayer and streamed internationally, guaranteeing followers at dwelling can take part in what guarantees to be an exhilarating evening for British athletics.
