Battling illness, Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson successfully defended her European 800-metre title, leaving behind her rivals to win the gold in 1 minute and 58.65 seconds on the final day of the European championships in Rome.
After her exceptional performance, the Olympic silver medallist and two-time world champion disclosed that she had been ill the day before.
Hodgkinson admitted: “Sometimes you’ve just got to find a way to win…I wanted to go out and have a a good time today, but I’m happy with the win. I would have been disappointed if I didn’t try.”
Hodgkinson for Paris 2024
This was Hodgkinson’s second major victory following her win in Munich two years ago. She now hopes to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m super excited for Paris. The next seven weeks are going to be incredible… I do believe in the power of manifestation, so it’s obviously something I think about. The Olympic Games are so special; it’s a huge opportunity to change your life, and I’m just ready to go for it.” Hodgkinson said.
She will probably compete for gold in Paris with world champion Mary Moraa and American Olympic champion Athing Mu.
Another gold for Great Britain
On the final day of the European championships,Team Great Britain had another reason to celebrate besides Hodgkinson’s victory.
Team Great Britain also won gold in the women’s 4x100m relay. The team features athletes Dina Asher-Smith, Desiree Henry, Amy Hunt, and Daryll Neita.
They won in 41.91 seconds, beating France and the Netherlands. Asher-Smith, the 100-metre champion, led the way, and Neita, the 200-metre silver medallist, led home.
“That felt amazing, we are definitely trying new things before the Olympic Games. Obviously, we are looking to absolutely do amazing in Paris,” Asher-Smith declared.
Neita added: “To finish the championships with a gold medal with these amazing ladies, it’s just an incredible feeling, really electric and I really have a good feeling going into Paris.”
With four golds and thirteen medals overall, the British team finished third in the medal table. Italy, the host nation, topped the table ahead of France.
Source: BBC