Keely Hodgkinson Shares Grand Slam Track Plans and 2025 Goals
Keely Hodgkinson is focusing on gold medals over new track leagues as she eyes major titles in 2025 after a remarkable year
Keely Hodgkinson, Grand Slam Track, Michael Johnson, Olympics, Tokyo, Athletics, UK
London: Keely Hodgkinson is all about chasing gold medals instead of diving into Michael Johnson’s new track league. She’s got her eyes set on winning big in 2025.
The Olympic 800m champ is a hot favorite for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. But she’s already thinking ahead to 2025, wanting to solidify her spot at the top.
Johnson’s Grand Slam Track kicks off next year, with events in cities like Philadelphia and Miami. It’s modeled after tennis and golf’s major tournaments.
Winners at each event will snag $100,000, and many top athletes, including Hodgkinson’s British teammates, are on board to compete.
“I might do one,” Hodgkinson said, noting that half the spots will be filled by guest entrants. “Next year looks really busy for me.”
She thinks what Johnson is doing is awesome but feels it’s not the right fit for her next year. She’s excited to see how the league develops.
Winning gold in Paris was a huge moment for Hodgkinson, especially after finishing second in the last two World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics.
“I think it’s great what Michael Johnson is doing, but I just don’t feel like it’s for me next year,” she said.
In 2024, she went unbeaten in the 800m and even broke her own British record at the Diamond League in London. Unfortunately, a minor knee injury cut her season short, dashing hopes of breaking the long-standing world record.
Hodgkinson, whose best time is 1:54.61, is eyeing that world record but insists that collecting medals is her main goal. She’s aiming for gold at the European and World Indoor Championships in early 2025, followed by the outdoor championships in Tokyo.
“I want to compete in all three and hopefully win gold in each,” she said. “Medals are forever, so that’s my top priority.”
She believes that with consistent training, her times will improve. “We aimed for a 1:54 this year, knowing it was key for gold in Paris,” she explained.
“I think 1:53 is within reach. It just takes the right race and perfect conditions.”
Hodgkinson will have to race in two events during Johnson’s Grand Slam series, which pairs the 800m with the 1500m. It’ll be her first time running the longer distance since 2018.
“It’s been a while, but I train for a solid 1500m,” she said. “If I get in a good race, I could surprise myself with a decent time.”