Keely Hodgkinson Shines with 800m Gold, Earning Praise from Legend Anne Packer

Keely Hodgkinson's recent victory in the women's 800m at the World Athletics Championships has not only solidified her status as one of the sport's brightest stars, but it has also drawn accolades from one of Britain's most iconic athletes, Anne Packer. Packer, who made history in 1964 as the first British woman to win Olympic gold in the same event, hailed Hodgkinson's performance as "magnificent," emphasizing that the young athlete is in a "class of her own." Crossing the finish line in Paris with a remarkable time of one minute and 56.72 seconds, Hodgkinson not only secured the gold medal but also demonstrated her remarkable talent and determination on the global stage. Her victory has added her name to a prestigious list, as she became only the third female 800m gold medallist for Great Britain, joining the ranks of Packer and Kelly Holmes. Packer, now a resident of Congleton, reminisced about her own Olympic journey during an interview with BBC North West Tonight. She revealed that she almost skipped her race in 1964 to indulge in a shopping trip, a decision that, in hindsight, would have been a grave mistake. Her own world record time from that historic race has since become a benchmark for aspiring athletes, yet she expressed that Hodgkinson's prowess far exceeds the competition in today’s field. “Keely’s got a special talent, and you could see it in her eyes,” Packer remarked, reflecting on the young athlete’s composure and strategic execution during the race. “She approached it with such confidence, and the way she dominated was just incredible.” Hodgkinson, at just 21 years of age, continues to break boundaries and expectations. Her meteoric rise in athletics has captured the hearts of sports fans not just in Britain but worldwide. As she builds on her achievements, the comparisons to Packer and other legendary athletes will only continue to grow. As the sporting world watches, Hodgkinson’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the legacy of British women's athletics, highlighting the importance of perseverance and excellence. With her sights set on future competitions, many are eager to see how far Hodgkinson can go in her career, as she aims to follow in the footsteps of those who paved the way for her success. Her recent triumph undoubtedly marks the beginning of what could be an extraordinary chapter in the history of British athletics.