Keely Hodgkinson reflects on Commonwealth Games decision after European silver
Keely Hodgkinson has insisted she has no regrets over skipping the Commonwealth Games despite being denied European 800m gold in Birmingham, reports BritPanorama.
Hodgkinson chose to prioritise her bid for a third successive European title following a challenging build-up that included a freak training accident. Unfortunately, she finished second at the Alexander Stadium on Friday night, with Audrey Werro of Switzerland dominating the race and setting a championship record of 1:54.81.
Hodgkinson crossed the line just two-tenths of a second behind Werro, while Femke Broeders-Bol secured the bronze in what was a highly competitive final. The Briton, who previously garnered gold at the European Championships in both 2022 and 2024, expressed disappointment over missing out on the hat-trick but maintained a strong belief in her decision to focus on her European campaign.
“When you feel like you’ve not put a foot wrong and it was a great race, and really close, I can’t really be too disappointed,” Hodgkinson remarked. She highlighted the importance of perseverance, noting, “I fought until the end, I thought I was going to have it in the last 50 but ultimately she just had more.”
The lead-up to the championships had been strenuous for Hodgkinson, who had battled through injuries that left “chunks” missing from her knees. Nonetheless, she managed to compete recently at the London Diamond League, coming away with a victory before declining to participate in the Commonwealth Games.
Despite the silver medal in Birmingham, Hodgkinson is adamant about her current form, stating, “I’m in the shape of my life.” She acknowledged the challenges faced this season but expressed satisfaction with her overall performance. “It’s another championship done, another medal added to the collection, and I have to be happy with that,” she said.
The fierce competition in the women’s 800m continues to elevate standards, particularly with Werro’s recent success further emphasising its depth. Hodgkinson remains optimistic about the road ahead, with the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon. As she reflects on her journey, she emphasises the drive and passion that fuel her competitive spirit, noting, “It’s really motivating to be in such a competitive event, I love it.” The excitement in the air is palpable; it will be intriguing to see how this rivalry unfolds in the coming years, with records poised to be challenged and new narratives emerging.
