Quick Read
- Keely Hodgkinson won the 800m at New York’s Athlos meet with a time of 1:56.53.
- Her season was disrupted by a hamstring injury, limiting her to six races.
- Georgia Hunter Bell and Shafiqua Maloney finished second and third.
- Serena Williams presented winners’ crowns at the women-only event.
- Athlos meet offers one of the largest prize purses in athletics.
Keely Hodgkinson’s Season: A Story of Resilience and Victory
It’s not often that a runner, especially one with an Olympic title, is forced to watch from the sidelines for much of the season. But for Keely Hodgkinson, 2025 was shaped by her battle with a persistent hamstring injury. Friday night in New York, however, the story was rewritten: Hodgkinson crossed the finish line first in the Athlos 800m, clocking 1:56.53 and reminding the world why she’s considered one of the most exciting talents in middle-distance running.
“I’ve barely raced this season so it was probably less of a struggle for me to go out there and want to give it something,” Hodgkinson told reporters, moments after receiving her winner’s crown from none other than tennis legend Serena Williams. The energy at Icahn Stadium was palpable, with the crowd’s cheers echoing off the track, amplifying the celebration of women’s sport.
Athlos NYC: Where Women’s Athletics Shines
The Athlos meet in New York is not just another stop on the athletics circuit. Now in its second year, it’s rapidly become a showcase for female athletes, transforming the traditional competition into a party of empowerment. This year, the stadium was packed with fans who came for the sport but stayed for the experience: live music, a festive atmosphere, and Tiffany & Co. crowns replacing the usual medals. Such innovations are designed to elevate the visibility and status of women in athletics—a mission at the heart of the event’s founder, Alexis Ohanian.
Last year’s winners walked away with $60,000, one of the largest purses in athletics, setting a new standard for recognition and reward. The presence of Serena Williams, herself a 23-time Grand Slam champion, underscored the event’s ambition to celebrate greatness and inspire the next generation.
The Race: Hodgkinson’s Commanding Performance
When the starting gun fired, Hodgkinson was up against familiar rivals. Georgia Hunter Bell, her British teammate and world silver medallist, pushed hard but finished second in 1:58.33. St Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney was close behind at 1:58.57. For Hodgkinson, the race was as much about personal redemption as it was about competition. Her personal best—an astonishing 1:54.61 set in London last year—remained untouched, but her New York win was a statement: even with limited races, she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Hodgkinson’s season had started with promise. She claimed bronze at the World Championships in Tokyo, her third outing of the year, demonstrating resilience amid uncertainty. The hamstring injury that followed forced her into a frustrating cycle of rehab and patience. But in New York, she looked fresh, focused, and determined—qualities that have defined her career so far.
Atmosphere and Impact: More Than Just a Race
The night wasn’t just about Hodgkinson’s victory. The Athlos meet attracted some of the world’s top athletes. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, won the mile in a time of 4:17.78. American sprinter Brittany Brown, a double bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics, completed a remarkable 100m and 200m double. In the 400m, European U23 champion Henriette Jaeger finished third behind Dominican star Marileidy Paulino and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser—both Olympic medallists themselves.
But it was Hodgkinson’s journey that resonated most with the crowd. Her words captured the mood: “The atmosphere out there is crazy so it was really, really fun.” The event’s unique setup—women-only races, celebratory music, and symbolic crowns—sent a clear message: women’s athletics deserves the spotlight, not just for the achievements but for the vibrant community it fosters.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Hodgkinson?
As the season draws to a close, Hodgkinson’s win in New York offers hope for the year ahead. The British runner has shown she can bounce back from adversity, and her performance suggests she’ll be a contender in every race she enters. For many athletes, injury is a setback that can disrupt momentum and confidence. For Hodgkinson, it became a catalyst for reflection, growth, and ultimately, triumph.
The Athlos meet, with its innovative approach and celebration of female talent, seems tailor-made for athletes like her—those who thrive under pressure and inspire others with their journey. With more meets adopting similar formats, the future of women’s athletics looks brighter, more inclusive, and increasingly competitive.
As Hodgkinson turns her attention to recovery and preparation for next year, she carries the lessons of 2025: resilience in the face of challenge, joy in competition, and pride in representing her sport on the world stage.
Keely Hodgkinson’s victory in New York is a testament not just to her athletic prowess but to the power of perseverance. In a season marked by injury and uncertainty, her ability to reclaim the spotlight in a vibrant, female-focused event reaffirms her status as a leading figure in middle-distance running. The evolution of the Athlos meet signals a broader shift in athletics, where women’s achievements are celebrated with the energy, respect, and visibility they deserve.