Keely Hodgkinson releases assertion after quitting in tears – ‘I made the powerful resolution’
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from the 400m final at the British Athletics Championship in tears, with the star later issuing a statement on her withdrawal
Keely Hodgkinson was seen crying after the race(Image: Getty)
Keely Hodgkinson was seen crying as she pulled out from the track just moments before she was due to compete in the 400m final at the British Athletics Championship.
The 24-year-old Olympic champion released a statement after a heartbreaking day on the track. Hodgkinson took her place in lane nine at the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, Birmingham as she prepared for the championship race, which is different from her usual 800m event.
However, it rapidly became apparent that something was wrong as she moved towards the track’s edge and she looked very upset while officials gathered around her. She then crouched down as tears flowed and she left amid concern and confusion among spectators, reports the Mirror.
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Afterwards, she published a statement explaining what had happened. She said: “I wasn’t feeling 100% standing on the start line, so I made the tough decision to step away and not race. I didn’t want to risk anything ahead of this summer.”
On Instagram, she posted: “Leaving champs healthy!! Sometimes the hard decision is saying no, body wasn’t feeling 100[%], exciting summer ahead.”
The BBC commentary team then reported they had received word from Hodgkinson’s coach, Jenny Meadows, explaining the star withdrew because she “felt a little twinge in her last strides before the race”.
Amber Anning was granted a second opportunity following a false start in the 400m final, but it was the world indoor champion who bounced back to retain her crown, clocking a time of 50.16 seconds.
Hodgkinson has recently been participating in 400m events as part of her strategy to boost her speed while targeting the 800m outdoor world record later this summer. Back in July 1983, Jarmila Kratochvilova established the outdoor record with a time of one minute 53.28 seconds.
“It’s not an easy feat and there’s a reason it has stood for so long, ” Hodgkinson told the BBC. “I think this is the closest I’ve felt near it. I do really believe that we can break it, but a lot of things have got to come together.
“We’re on the right path and we’ve seen evidence in training that we think that it’s possible. I’ve had my healthiest winter training I’ve had in years.
“My coach did say two years ago that 2026 will be a good year. I’ve known for weeks I’m capable of breaking it. It’s just a matter of getting out on the day.
“We can push it even further in the future, as long as I stay healthy and I think this is hopefully just the beginning. After winning the Olympics, it really wasn’t what I thought was going to happen.”
