ISTANBUL – British athlete Keely Hodgkinson effortlessly qualified for the semi-final of the 800m on Day 1 at the European Indoor Championships 2023, held at the Ataköy Arena in Istanbul on Thursday (2).
Hodgkinson, who holds the world record with a remarkable 1:57.18 British record, won her heat in 2:01.67, successfully progressing to the semi-final. She defeated Germany’s Majtie Kolberg, who clocked a personal best of 2:01.94, and Italy’s Eloisa Coiro, who recorded a time of 2:02.19, to post the top times from the heats.
Anita Horvat, a finalist at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon last summer, also advanced to the semi-final after winning the second heat in 2:03.06, ahead of Slovak Gabriela Gajanová who finished second with a time of 2:03.25. – Read more: How to watch the 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships?
Isabelle Boffey, the British champion, also qualified for the semi-final after winning heat one with a time of 2:03.24. Additionally, Agnès Raharolahy of France secured a spot in the semi-final with a winning time of 2:04.56 in heat 5, while Audrey Werro of Switzerland won heat four with 2:05.60.
As the athletes prepare for the semi-final, it is expected that Hodgkinson, who won gold in the 800m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will continue to be the athlete to watch.
The semi-final will take place on Saturday (4), with the top three from each of the two heats, plus the two fastest losers, advancing to the final on Sunday.
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