Keely Hodgkinson capped off her 2026 campaign with a commanding performance in the 800 metres at the Athlos meet in London, taking first place while showcasing a brand‑new, full‑length, hooded speed suit. The 24‑year‑old British middle‑distance star has endured a challenging couple of months, battling both illness and injury, and this week she disclosed that an MRI scan revealed an "abnormality" in her hamstring muscle. Throughout the season, Hodgkinson has been eclipsed in the women's 800m by Switzerland's rising talent Audrey Werro.
The rivalry among Hodgkinson, Werro and the Netherlands' Femke Bol has turned the event into a thrilling contest, with all three athletes inching closer to the long‑standing world record of 1:53.28, a mark that has survived for 43 years. Neither Werro nor Bol were present at StoneX Stadium on Friday, allowing Hodgkinson to cruise to the line in 1:56.40 and retain her Athlos title.
Athlos, an all‑women's athletics series launched last year by Reddit co‑founder Alexis Ohanian—who is married to 23‑time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams—provides a platform that celebrates female athletes and their stories. Hodgkinson reflected on the experience, saying, "I was a little nervous walking out, but the hooded visor helped block out the noise. It was incredibly fun and something I’ll remember forever." She went on to explain the development process behind the suit: "It’s been a year in the making, with countless adjustments and fittings.
Working with Nike’s innovation team was a blast – we blended fashion, speed and science, and maybe we’re looking at the future of athletics gear." The athlete added, "It was an honour to be the first to wear it. We didn’t know exactly when we’d debut it, but an all‑women’s event that focuses on glamour and visibility was the perfect stage to finish the season. It feels like a moment, and I’m excited about it." Visually, Hodgkinson’s outfit evoked memories of Australian sprint legend Cathy Freeman, who famously wore a distinctive kit when she won the women’s 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Hodgkinson believes the suit complies with all regulations and noted that she had already trained in it during a heat‑wave stint in South Africa, where temperatures neared 40 °C. "Aerodynamically, you’re slower with your hair out, but I wasn’t willing to compromise – my hair stays out. I’m all about looking good, feeling good, and that mental‑physical balance," she said. When asked about the possibility of wearing the suit at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Hodgkinson responded, "We might know some things that people don’t!
It was a test run. This isn’t something completely new – athletes like Cathy Freeman and others experimented with similar concepts years ago.
This is the updated version with cutting‑edge technology." She continued, "Freeman was born before I was, but I’ve seen the race footage and photos. Drawing inspiration from the past and making it your own is thrilling.
Style mattered a lot to me. I wanted to be comfortable, a bit sexy – the open back keeps me cool, and honestly it feels like I’m wearing nothing." Earlier in the year, Hodgkinson shattered the women’s indoor 800m world record in February, sparking hopes that she could also topple the outdoor record set by Czechoslovakian runner Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983. That mark remains controversial because of allegations of a state‑sponsored doping program in Czechoslovakia at the time, a claim Kratochvílová has consistently denied.
Despite her record‑breaking indoor run, Hodgkinson’s ranking this season has slipped behind Swiss star Werro, who bested her at both the European Championships and the Ultimate Championships. Hodgkinson missed the final two Diamond League meetings, later revealing that a hamstring tear sustained at the European Championships in Birmingham forced her to adjust her training. "My body is literally built differently. Most people have one tendon; I have two, split.
We’re still figuring out whether that’s a strength or a weakness," Hodgkinson explained. "When one tendon tore, the other was still intact, so I could still run, but I felt something was off." She described the injury as unusual: "It’s a weird situation.
You can still run on a split tendon. I haven’t missed any training in the past three weeks, but I’ve had to change my approach. I’ve taken my foot off the speed work because that’s when the risk is highest." Looking ahead, Hodgkinson remains optimistic about her recovery and future performances. She emphasized the importance of listening to her body, adapting her regimen, and maintaining confidence in her unique physiology.
As the season draws to a close, her victory in the hooded suit not only underscores her competitive spirit but also highlights the evolving intersection of technology, fashion and sport in modern athletics.