Keely Hodgkinson Sets New Indoor 800m World Record
Keely Hodgkinson has made history by breaking the indoor 800m world record, achieving a remarkable feat on February 19, 2026. This record, which had stood for nearly 24 years, was previously held by Slovenia’s Jolanda Ceplak.
Training and Preparation
Since 2019, Hodgkinson has been under the guidance of coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows in Manchester. Meadows, a former international runner herself, has played a vital role in Hodgkinson’s training regimen. She expressed confidence in Hodgkinson’s ability to set a new record, stating, “We had no doubt that she would do it.”
Mental Preparation
Leading up to the event, Hodgkinson had articulated her concerns about achieving the world record and not being satisfied with her performance. “What if I can’t smile?” she pondered, highlighting the pressure athletes face in such high-stakes competitions.
Record Setting Event
The competition took place in Lievin, a venue known for its fast track and history of hosting world records. Meadows had earmarked this date as crucial for Hodgkinson’s record attempt weeks in advance. “We thought, let’s go with the statistics,” she remarked, emphasizing the strategic planning involved.
Performance Insights
The time achieved by Hodgkinson was near her minimum satisfaction level, according to Meadows. She indicated that Hodgkinson had the potential to improve her time further, mentioning that there was likely at least half a second, possibly a full second, left in her run.
- ATHLETE: Keely Hodgkinson
- DATE OF RECORD: February 19, 2026
- PREVIOUS RECORD HOLDER: Jolanda Ceplak (Slovenia)
- SITE: Lievin
- COACHES: Trevor Painter, Jenny Meadows
This impressive achievement reaffirms Hodgkinson’s status as a leading figure in middle-distance running. As she continues to train and push her limits, the athletics community eagerly anticipates her future performances and potential further records.
