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Keely Hodgkinson's Pursuit of Olympic Gold: A Training Overhaul

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:09 GMT by BBC
      Locale: HUNGARY

Keely Hodgkinson's Pursuit of Perfection: A Deep Dive into the 800m Star's Season and Future Ambitions

Keely Hodgkinson, the 21-year-old British 800m sensation, is currently engaged in a relentless pursuit of improvement, aiming to cement her status as a global dominant force. As detailed in a recent BBC Sport article, Hodgkinson is meticulously dismantling and rebuilding her training approach, driven by a desire to move beyond silver medals and capture gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024. This isn't about fixing flaws, but refining an already exceptional skillset to achieve a new level of consistency and dominance.

Hodgkinson burst onto the scene with a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, narrowly beaten by Athing Mu of the United States. She then secured silver again at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. These near misses, while impressive for a young athlete, haven’t satisfied her ambition. The BBC article highlights that Hodgkinson isn't content with simply being competitive; she wants to be the competitor.

This quest for improvement has led to a significant change in coaching. After a successful partnership with Trevor Painter, who guided her to Olympic and World medals, Hodgkinson has linked up with Glenn McDougall, known for his work with Laura Muir. This decision wasn't taken lightly. Painter, described as a "father figure," helped build Hodgkinson’s confidence and initial success. However, the switch to McDougall represents a strategic move toward a more data-driven, analytical approach, focused on maximizing performance through finely tuned training metrics.

The article stresses that McDougall’s methodology centers on understanding Hodgkinson’s physiology in extreme detail. He’s employing a comprehensive system of testing – including lactate threshold testing, biomechanical analysis, and detailed tracking of every training session – to identify the subtle nuances that can unlock further gains. This isn't a complete overhaul, but a refinement of existing strengths. Hodgkinson already possesses phenomenal speed and endurance; McDougall is aiming to optimize their interplay.

A key element of this new approach is a shift away from solely focusing on peak performance at championships. While championships remain the ultimate goal, the focus is now on consistent performance throughout the season. Previously, Hodgkinson’s training was geared towards peaking for major events, sometimes leaving her inconsistent in Diamond League meetings. McDougall wants to build a base of consistent, high-level racing, believing this will breed confidence and resilience. The rationale, outlined in further detail on the British Athletics website [ https://www.britishathletics.org.uk/news/keely-hodgkinson-targets-consistency-in-new-era-with-glenn-mcdougall/ ], is that regularly challenging herself against top competition, even when not fully "peaked," will better prepare her for the pressure of championship finals.

The BBC report also addresses the intense competition in the women’s 800m. Athing Mu, while taking a hiatus from competition in 2023 to focus on her mental health and complete her studies at Texas A&M, remains a formidable threat. Beyond Mu, athletes like Mary Moraa (the 2023 World Champion) and Diribe Welteji are consistently challenging for medals. This highly competitive landscape further reinforces Hodgkinson’s need for incremental improvements. She needs to not only be faster, but also tactically astute and mentally strong to navigate the intricacies of championship racing.

Hodgkinson’s commitment extends beyond the track. The article reveals she’s actively involved in understanding the science behind her training, taking ownership of the process and actively contributing to discussions with McDougall. This collaborative approach underscores her maturity and dedication. She isn't simply accepting instructions; she's investing in her own development as an athlete.

Looking ahead, Hodgkinson's 2024 season will be crucial. The Diamond League circuit will serve as a testing ground for the new training regime, providing valuable insights into her progress. The Paris Olympics loom large, and she’s acutely aware that success at that level requires not just physical preparation, but also mental fortitude and tactical awareness.

The BBC article paints a portrait of an athlete determined to transcend her already impressive achievements. Keely Hodgkinson isn't content with silver. She's meticulously rebuilding her approach, embracing data-driven training, and demonstrating a relentless commitment to achieving her ultimate goal: Olympic gold. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection.