Keely Nicole Hodgkinson is a British middle-distance runner who has emerged as one of the world’s top athletes in the 800 metres.
Born on 3 March 2002 in Atherton, Greater Manchester, England, she burst onto the international scene by winning a silver medal in the 800 m at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics at just 19 years old, breaking the British record in the process.
IT WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE 👑
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 19, 2026
🇬🇧’s @keelyhodgkinson rewrites history in Liévin, smashing the 800m short track world record by nearly a second with 1:54.87 😤
She breaks a 23 year old mark that was set the very day she was born 🤯#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/aJjqhCjDDI
She followed that up with a stunning gold medal in the 800 m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and has continued to improve, recently setting a new world indoor 800 m record with a time of 1:54.87 in Liévin, France in February 2026.
The performance broke a 23-year-old record by nearly a full second, remarkably, a mark that had been set on the very day she was born.
Her achievements also include multiple European titles and national records, earning her widespread acclaim in athletics.
Keely’s success has deep roots in her family background.
Her parents, Rachel Hodgkinson and Dean Hodgkinson, are both from Atherton in Greater Manchester and have played a pivotal role in nurturing her athletic talent.
Rachel was herself involved in running and was a member of the local Leigh Harriers athletics club, while her father, Dean, completed the London Marathon and encouraged Keely to focus on running from a young age.
Keely is the eldest of four children, with a brother named Sam and two younger sisters, Jessica and Tilly, forming a close-knit family unit.
Her parents supported her training, drove her to competitions, and were often seen cheering her on at international events.
Dean even made long trips to attend races such as a Diamond League meeting in Poland.
While details of when Rachel and Dean married are not widely publicized, what stands out is the emotional and practical encouragement they provided, helping Keely balance school, sport, and later her decision to focus full-time on athletics.
Behind Keely Hodgkinson’s exceptional athletic achievements is a family deeply invested in her journey.
As Olympic and world record-breaking success mounts, her story serves as a reminder of the influence of strong family support and early encouragement.
From cheering at local club meets to watching their daughter shatter world records, Rachel and Dean Hodgkinson’s role in her life underscores the importance of a nurturing and supportive home behind every elite athlete.
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