Keely Hodgkinson capped off her 2026 campaign with a commanding victory in the women’s 800 metres at the Athlos meet in London, showcasing a brand‑new, full‑length hooded speed suit for the first time. The 24‑year‑old British middle‑distance star crossed the finish line in 1:56.40, comfortably defending her Athlos title despite a season marred by health setbacks and fierce competition from emerging rivals. In recent weeks Hodgkinson has been battling both illness and injury. An MRI scan performed earlier this month revealed an "abnormality" in her hamstring, a finding that has raised concerns among her coaching team.
Nevertheless, she arrived at StoneX Stadium in London determined to finish the year on a high note, and the result was a seamless win. The 800‑metre event this season has become a focal point for the sport, as three athletes—Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, Hodgkinson herself, and the Netherlands’ Femke Broeders‑Bol—have been trading blows and edging ever closer to the long‑standing world record of 1:53.28, a mark that has endured for 43 years. While Werro and Broeders‑Bol were absent from the London meet, Hodgkinson seized the opportunity to reaffirm her dominance.
Athlos, the all‑women’s athletics series launched in 2023 by Reddit co‑founder Alexis Ohanian (married to tennis legend Serena Williams), provides a platform that blends high‑performance sport with a flair for style and spectacle. Hodgkinson’s appearance in the hooded suit captured that spirit perfectly. "I was a little nervous walking out, but the shades helped block out the noise," she said after the race.
"It was fun and something I’ll remember forever." The suit itself is the product of a close collaboration with Nike’s innovation team. Hodgkinson described the development process as a year‑long journey of adjustments, fittings, and testing. "It feels like a mix of fashion, speed and science coming together – maybe the future of athletics," she explained.
The garment’s design includes a full‑length hood, a sleek, aerodynamic cut, and an open back that Hodgkinson says keeps her cool while adding a touch of personal style. "I wanted to be comfortable but also feel a little sexy," she noted, adding that the suit feels "like I’m wearing nothing at all." The visual impact of the outfit drew immediate comparisons to Australian sprint legend Cathy Freeman, who famously wore a distinctive dress when she won the 400 m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Hodgkinson acknowledged the inspiration, saying, "Freeman was before I was born, but I’ve seen the race and the photos. It was cool to draw from the past and make it my own with new technology." From a technical standpoint, Hodgkinson believes the suit complies with all current regulations.
She even tested it in the heat of South Africa, where temperatures neared 40 °C, to ensure it performed under extreme conditions. "The science says that with your hair out you create more drag, but I wasn’t willing to compromise on my look," she laughed.
"Look good, feel good – that mental and physical balance is important." When asked about the possibility of wearing the suit at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Hodgkinson hinted that future regulations might evolve. "We might know some things that people don’t," she said, suggesting that the suit could become a legal option if the governing bodies allow it.
Beyond the fashion statement, Hodgkinson’s season has been a roller‑coaster of highs and lows. In February she shattered the indoor world record for the women’s 800 m, raising expectations that she could also break the outdoor record set by Czechoslovakian runner Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983 (1:53.28). That record remains controversial due to allegations of a state‑sponsored doping program in the former Eastern Bloc, claims that Kratochvílová has consistently denied. While Hodgkinson has been a dominant force, she has faced stiff competition from Swiss prodigy Audrey Werro, who bested her at both the European Championships and the Ultimate Championships earlier in the year.
Werro’s rise has reshuffled the hierarchy in women’s middle‑distance running, pushing Hodgkinson to adapt her training and race strategies. Injuries have also taken a toll. Hodgkinson missed the final two Diamond League meetings after sustaining a hamstring tear at the European Championships in Birmingham. Remarkably, she completed the race despite the injury, later explaining that her unique anatomy may have mitigated the damage.
"My body is built differently – where most people have one tendon, I have two," she said. "When one tore, the other kept me going.
It didn’t affect my race in Birmingham, but I could feel something was off." Since that incident, Hodgkinson has altered her training regimen, reducing high‑speed work to protect the vulnerable tendon. "I haven’t missed any training in the last three weeks, but I’ve had to change my approach," she noted. "I’ve taken my foot off the speed sessions because that’s when the risk is greatest." Looking ahead, Hodgkinson remains optimistic.
The victory in London not only adds another trophy to her collection but also demonstrates her resilience and willingness to embrace innovation. As she prepares for the next season, she will likely continue to fine‑tune both her performance and her wardrobe, seeking the perfect blend of speed, comfort, and visual impact that could set a new standard in athletics.