Keely Hodgkinson is set to face Lilian Odira in a highly anticipated 800 metres race at the Pre Classic event in Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday. The contest marks their first meeting since the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo last September, where Odira secured the gold medal and set a championship record with a time of 1:54.62.

Hodgkinson, 24, who holds the Olympic and European titles in the 800 metres, finished third in Tokyo, trailing both Odira and fellow Brit Georgia Hunter Bell, who took silver. Despite her successes on the international stage, a world championship title has so far eluded the English athlete.

This upcoming race represents an early contest ahead of another significant head-to-head event scheduled for July 18 in London at the Diamond League. Both athletes are expected to contend for a new world record in front of an audience of approximately 50,000 spectators.

The rivalry between Hodgkinson and Odira has generated considerable interest as the two prepare for what promises to be an intense competition. Hodgkinson aims to avenge her previous defeat and secure the world title that has thus far eluded her, while Odira will look to maintain her lead and continue her record-breaking performances.