BBC compelled to problem apology after bombshell Keely Hodgkinson interview
Keely Hodgkinson narrowly missed out on victory in the 800m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, with the BBC forced to apologise during her interview
Keely Hodgkinson apologised after swearing during a BBC interview(Image: BBC)
The BBC was forced to issue an apology for Keely Hodgkinson after the Team GB sensation let slip with some strong language during a live interview.
The 24-year-old had just been pipped at the post in the 800m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Despite a heroic last-ditch surge, the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year champion couldn’t quite catch Audrey Werro – crossing the line second in Budapest.
It meant Hodgkinson missed out on triumph at the maiden championship, which featured some of athletics’ biggest stars battling it out in a bid to win over a fresh wave of supporters. There was also serious cash up for grabs for the victors, with each event champion bagging £110,000.
Keely Hodgkinson finished second at the World Ultimate Championship(Image: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
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While losing out on glory – and a massive payday – would have stung, Hodgkinson was brimming with pride after revealing she had suffered a hamstring tear just weeks earlier, reports Wales Online.
Hodgkinson withdrew from the closing stages of the Diamond League and the Brussels finale due to hamstring troubles. She was forced to settle for silver at last month’s European Championships, coming home behind arch-rival Werro.
“Where do I start? On the outside, people might think I’d be disappointed with that but I’m actually quite proud of how I approached that,” said Hodgkinson in Budapest.
“When was the Europeans? Three or four weeks ago? I unfortunately tore my hamstring during that race. I didn’t even know if I was going to be here. It was really touch and go. I was on it with the rehab. I owe a lot to my team and the doctors.
“I was really close and I was going for the win, but I’m proud of how we all handled that.” When quizzed about her preparation for the race following an injury, Hodgkinson seemed to use a swear word before quickly apologising – though, as the BBC didn’t air the interview live, the sound was muted.
“Excuse my French! There’s a lot of work and testing it session-by-session, which is why I only made the decision a week ago. It’s been a bit of a frustrating season but overall I’m finishing second in the world. I can’t be too hard on myself for that.”
The BBC’s interviewer also offered an apology between questions for the language used, acknowledging that “emotions were high”. Hodgkinson looked somewhat embarrassed at the end of the interview, covering her mouth with her hands as she seemed to say sorry once more.
Despite the hasty return from injury, Hodgkinson stated she could still compete again next week before taking a “well-earned break”. For securing second place, the Olympic champion bagged a cool £55,000.
