Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from the 400 meters final at the UK Athletics Championships just moments before the race was set to begin on Sunday at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. The Olympic 800 meters champion, who has been competing over 400 meters this season to enhance her first-lap speed ahead of targeting the 800 meters world record, appeared visibly upset as she stepped out of lane nine and left the track.

Hodgkinson, competing in the shorter event as part of her preparation strategy, had qualified for the final but told officials she was not feeling fully fit at the start line. “I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent standing on the start line, so I made the tough decision to step away and not race. I didn’t want to risk anything this summer,” she said afterward. Following her withdrawal, she walked back inside the stadium accompanied by officials.

The 400 meters final proceeded with world indoor champion Amber Anning, who initially false-started but went on to win the race in 50.16 seconds. Anning successfully defended her UK title, finishing ahead of Yemi Mary John, who clocked 50.23 seconds, and Charlotte Henrich, who finished in 50.58.

Elsewhere at the championships, Georgia Hunter Bell, Hodgkinson’s training partner and rival, defended her 800 meters title with a time of 1:55.93. Hunter Bell, the 2025 world silver medallist, set a new championship record, surpassing the longstanding mark held by Kelly Holmes since 1995.

Hodgkinson’s decision to withdraw from the 400 meters final underscores the careful management of her season as she aims to peak for major global competitions while targeting records in her primary event.