Keely Hodgkinson concluded her 800m racing season with a remarkable victory at the Athlos meet in New York. This all-female event took place on a Friday evening at Icahn Stadium, where Hodgkinson clocked a time of 1:56.53. This performance marked just her sixth outing of the season, which had been complicated by a hamstring injury.
Details of the Competition
Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, expressed her excitement about the event. “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,” she stated. Fellow British competitor and world silver medallist Georgia Hunter Bell finished second with a time of 1:58.33, while Shafiqua Maloney from St. Vincent secured third place in 1:58.57.
Event Atmosphere and Highlights
The second edition of the women-only Athlos meet attracted a lively crowd. The event not only featured competitive races but also a vibrant party atmosphere with live music. Unique prizes included Tiffany & Co. crowns, replacing the traditional winners’ medals. Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion and wife of Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian, presented these crowns to the winners.
Notable Performances
- Keely Hodgkinson: 1:56.53 (800m) – 1st Place
- Georgia Hunter Bell: 1:58.33 (800m) – 2nd Place
- Shafiqua Maloney: 1:58.57 (800m) – 3rd Place
- Faith Kipyegon: 4:17.78 (mile) – Winner
- Brittany Brown: Winner of both 100m and 200m events
Prize Money
The Athlos meet continues to stand out in athletics, boasting one of the largest prize purses in the sport. Last year, winners took home $60,000 (£44,603), showcasing the event’s commitment to women in athletics.
This year’s meet clearly highlighted the resilience and talent of female athletes, with Hodgkinson leading the charge and inspiring many with her triumphant return to form.
