Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic 800m champion, faced a significant setback this summer when she injured her hamstring while traveling to Windsor Castle to receive her MBE. The emotional rollercoaster that ensued was challenging for the young athlete, who candidly described herself as feeling “a bit fiery” during that period. The fear that her season was effectively over weighed heavily on her, leading to tears and mood swings reflective of the intense pressure she puts on herself as a competitor.
Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, who were busy assisting other athletes, took an innovative approach to help lift her spirits. Painter gifted Hodgkinson a large Himalayan salt lamp, aiming to create a calming atmosphere while introducing her to the world of crystals and spirituality. In addition to this unconventional method, Painter was instrumental in securing funding from Nike for a full-time physiotherapist, which proved transformative for Hodgkinson’s training and recovery.
Through a comprehensive assessment, it was revealed that her hamstring issues stemmed from back problems. With targeted treatment, Hodgkinson began to experience relief, allowing her to return to form and training. “Now I’m lifting a bit heavier and running faster. It hasn’t slowed me down,” she stated, noting that her body was responding well to her new training regimen.
Indeed, less than a year after her triumph in Paris, Hodgkinson returned to competitive running with remarkable performances, clocking 1:54.74 in Silesia—one of the top nine times in history—and following it up with an impressive 1:55 four days later in Lausanne. Reflecting on her return to competition, Hodgkinson shared how the mental and physical exhaustion from her training made her appreciate her success even more.
However, her path to recovery wasn’t just about physical rehabilitation; it also involved mental resilience. Consulting with a psychologist helped her process her setbacks, especially when faced with negative commentary on social media. Hodgkinson noted that during periods of emotional vulnerability, the critical remarks often resonated more sharply, leading her to rely on the block button as her safeguard against negativity.
As she prepares for the World Athletics Championships, Hodgkinson feels different from last year, where the weight of expectation felt more burdensome. “Nothing could be worse than last year… I’ve gone above that now,” she remarked, expressing her evolved perspective on pressure. With a renewed sense of emotional strength and mental clarity, she is optimistic about bringing home another gold medal.
“I have to walk away with the gold—and hopefully I will. But I don’t have any feeling of pressure this year. I’m chilling,” Hodgkinson said, indicating a shift in her mindset as she prepares to face the challenges ahead. Her journey from injury and self-discovery has not only forged a stronger athlete but a more resilient person who embraces the highs and lows of competitive sports.
