Mary Moraa's British rival reveals strategy for Olympic glory

The British 800m runner has revealed plans to overcome top rivals, including Kenya's Mary Moraa, at the Paris Olympics.

World 800m bronze medallist Keely Hodgkinson has revealed the strategy she plans to use to overcome reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu and world champion Mary Moraa at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

On the cusp of what Hodgkinson hopes will be a defining summer, she reflects on her preparation for both the European Championships and the Olympic Games.

When asked if she is ready to showcase her best, she confidently responded.

“Yes. I haven’t let you down so far, have I? I really feel like this year is hopefully the best I’ve ever been. I’m really looking forward to it," she said as per Guardian.

At 22, Hodgkinson is set to be one of Team GB’s standout athletes in Paris.

She credits another British sporting icon, Jessica Ennis-Hill, for rekindling her passion for athletics before the London 2012 Olympics.

"When I was younger I just fell out of love with it for a period of time," she shared.

"I saw Jess competing, she was like the golden girl, everywhere, and that really inspired me to go back, to actually want to do the heptathlon. I did dabble in the javelin. But then I was like, ‘I’m just going to stick to the 800m," she added.

The decision has proven wise. Over the past three years, Hodgkinson has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including three European titles, two Diamond League titles, and silver medals from the Olympics, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games.

Hodgkinson's potential victory in Paris could also bring a financial reward of $50,000 (Ksh 6.5million) from World Athletics.

This decision has sparked controversy, but Hodgkinson supports it, arguing that the Olympics have evolved beyond amateur status.

“I don’t think anyone will turn down $50,000, will they?” she says. “I think it’s great. I know the Olympic motto is about competing as amateurs. But we’ve got to the point now where if you’re competing at the Olympics you’re not an amateur, you are a professional. That’s in every sport in the Olympics. It’s nice it’s happening, hopefully in other sports.”

However, her primary goal remains winning gold. She arrives in Rome with a strong record, having recently outperformed world champion Mary Moraa at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking an impressive 1:55.78 in Eugene, Oregon.

"Coming into the Europeans, I’ll always respect the competition but I am four seconds clear of the next person," Hodgkinson stated.

“To keep the motivation high, I want to attack every race. I don’t want to have 1:55 here and 1:58 the next week, I want to be as consistent as possible. I’ll keep setting myself little targets in training, in championships all the time to see how much I can push myself.”

A winter tendon injury, which sidelined her for nine weeks, turned out to be a “blessing in disguise.” It allowed Hodgkinson to build endurance, strength, and speed, setting her up for a successful season.

She also watches emerging talents like British 800m runner Phoebe Gill with fascination.

Last month, the 17-year-old ran 1:57.86 in Belfast, making her the eighth fastest this year.

"Seeing a 17-year old running 1:57 is surreal. She’s doing really well. She should just focus on herself, not get carried away, and keep doing what she’s doing. It’s obviously working,” Hodgkinson commented.

For now, Hodgkinson’s focus is on Rome unlike some British athletes who have skipped the event to prepare for the Olympics, she aims to collect as many medals as possible.

"Why not? When you’re fit and healthy you might as well take the opportunities. If I can defend my title that will be great as a stepping stone.”

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