“From hurdles and setbacks to victory and glory, every stride tells a story of resilience.”
British runner Keely Hodgkinson ended her season on a high by winning the 800 m at the Athlos women’s meet in New York with a time of 1:56.53. The event at Icahn Stadium celebrated women’s athletics with music, crowds, and crowns instead of medals.
After the race, tennis legend Serena Williams presented Hodgkinson with a Tiffany & Co. crown, honoring her as the “Queen of the 800 m.” Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, is one of the event’s founders.
The win marked a strong finish to Hodgkinson’s year, following a season affected by a hamstring injury and a bronze at the World Championships. Fellow Briton Georgia Hunter Bell finished second, and Shafiqua Maloney of Saint Vincent came third.
The Athlos meet also saw American Brittany Brown win both the 100 m and 200 m, Faith Kipyegon take the mile, and Tara Davis-Woodhall triumph in the long jump.
Hodgkinson said she was “proud to end the year on a high” and welcomed Dutch star Femke Bol, who will move up to the 800 m next season.