2025-09-11 08:54:41
Keely Hodgkinson has experienced the “most challenging” year of her career so far.
The Olympic 800m champion spent over a year out injured before returning to the track last month but insists that she wouldn’t change what has been a frustrating 12 months at times.
Hodgkinson told BBC Sport: “The last 12 months have been quite a journey.
“Weirdly, though, I wouldn’t change any of it because I’ve learned so much.
“I’ve realised how strong I am. I have such a great team around me and I’ve also had time to process everything that happened last year.
“It’s been super frustrating at times, when I’m working hard but not seeing any rewards for it and your body’s letting you down.
“It’s got me to where I am now, so I can’t complain too much, but it’s definitely been the most challenging year so far.”
Hodgkinson’s injury problems threatened her participation at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo but she has been “fearless” since returning to the track as she bids for her first world gold.
The athlete said: “I’m just grateful to be back now, because my biggest fear was missing the championships.
“I definitely spiralled a little bit. There was no plan for a period of time. It was literally day by day – we just had to play it by ear. And even coming back to running, it’s like, ‘OK, can I do a session today? Do I feel something?’
“I just wanted to be fearless [on my return]. I didn’t have time to do more races and get that confidence. I needed to just go for it.”
The Team GB star is determined to “enjoy” the world championships as she admits there was a point where she didn’t expect to be competing.
She said: “This year has definitely given me a sense of slowing down and enjoying the process, being grateful that I can run and, when I can, [making sure] I’m going to enjoy everything, give it everything and probably complain a bit less.
“I just want to enjoy it, because there was definitely a period of time that I didn’t think I was going to be here.”
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