The British star is looking to win a third consecutive European title in Birmingham this week
Keely Hodgkinson booked her place in the semi-finals of the women’s 800m at the European Athletics Championships on Tuesday, with the British star left stunned by the standard of her heat.
The 24-year-old is looking for a third consecutive European title in Birmingham and got off to an ideal start as she began her defence with a routine victory in Tuesday’s opening heat. Finishing ahead of Italy’s Eloisa Coiro and Germany’s Smilla Kolbe, Hodgkinson crossed the line in a time of 1.57.28.
Speaking after the race, she said she felt “comfortable” out on the track after taking the first step towards another European crown, but admitted to being taken aback by the standard of the opening heat.
“Relieved isn’t the word I would use at all,” she said. “I’ve worked so hard and the shape has been there all year, it’s just been an unfortunate couple of ends that have led to me being a little bit off.
“But, who cares? The championship is a fresh start, that felt very good, very comfortable. It was a little windy. The standard has gone up – 1.57, in the heats!
“They were pushing me on the shoulder and I was like ‘Guys?!’. But it’s good, it brings out the best in me and I was just excited to get through this round.”
Hodgkinson’s comments came after her interview was briefly crashed by Coiro, who couldn’t resist telling BBC viewers her true feelings on the British star.
As she prepared to answer the opening question, Hodgkinson was interrupted by the Italian runner, who grabbed her and told interviewer Sarah Mulkerrins: “She is such an inspiration.
“Such a cool girl,” she continued. “Such an inspiration, on and off the track, really.”
Coiro then turned to Hodgkinson and said: “You’re the champion for me,” with the Atherton-born runner giggling at her rival’s remarks.
“Aw, bless her,” she explained. “We grew up competing against each other, so it’s nice. She just got a PB as well there.”
Hodgkinson will take to the track again on Thursday afternoon, as the semi-finals get underway.
As the dominant force of women’s 800m in recent years, she hopes to then be part of the line-up for the final on Friday night.
However, she faces competition for her third consecutive European title, with Switzerland’s Audrey Werro seen as her biggest rival for the crown.
Two-time 400m hurdles world champion Femke Broeders-Bol adds further competition, having switched to 800m this season.
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