Keely Hodgkinson has revealed that a fall during a cooldown run in July significantly affected her 2026 season, undermining her bid to break the 800 meters world record. The 24-year-old Olympic champion tripped on a metal grill along a canal, sustaining cuts to her knees and a back injury likened by her team to whiplash. She believes the incident contributed to a hamstring tear she suffered during the European Championships in August, an injury that has hampered her outdoor campaign.
Hodgkinson explained that the fall jarred her so severely that she was unable to engage her quadriceps properly for a period, which may have led to the hamstring issue that recurred during warm-up ahead of the European final. Despite the discomfort, she ran the race but finished behind Swiss athlete Audrey Werro, one of three defeats she has suffered to the 22-year-old this season. Hodgkinson delayed competition afterward and adjusted her training to minimize speed work, only resuming faster runs shortly before the Ultimate Championship event in Budapest last weekend.
The athlete also disclosed a unique aspect of her physiology: a "split tendon" in her hamstring, which was identified in an MRI scan last year after a previous tear. This variation means she has two tendons where most people have one, allowing her to continue running despite injury to part of the tendon but potentially increasing her vulnerability. She described the condition as a double-edged sword, offering some resilience but also necessitating careful management to avoid further damage.
Despite the setbacks, Hodgkinson’s 2026 season includes significant achievements such as breaking the indoor 800m world record in February, winning the World Indoor Championship in March, and setting a personal outdoor best in June. She acknowledged the frustration of not meeting all her goals but expressed confidence in her long-term prospects, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in view.
Hodgkinson will close her season at the all-female Athlos meeting taking place at Stonex Stadium in London. The event features top athletes including 2024 Paris Olympic 200m gold medallist Gabby Thomas and former world 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson. Hodgkinson highlighted her desire to prove she can compete at a high level even when conditions are less than ideal, reflecting on the unpredictability of athletics seasons.
The organizers have emphasized that Athlos will combine elite competition with a vibrant entertainment experience, including celebrity guests and DJs, aiming to offer fans a distinctive atmosphere both at the venue and through broadcast coverage. Hodgkinson praised Werro's strong season, expressing anticipation for future races against the Swiss rival once fully recovered.
Overall, while 2026 has been a challenging year influenced by a rare accident and physiological complexities, Hodgkinson remains focused on recovery and future success.