MANCHESTER, UK (July 9) — Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic and world silver medallist, delivered a patient, but commanding performance on her home track to cruise to victory in the women’s 800m at the 2023 British Athletics Championships. Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir was stunned in the women’s 1500m at the Manchester Regional Arena.
Hodgkinson’s Commanding Performance
Keely Hodgkinson, who this season set a world-leading time of 1:55.77 in Paris, eased through the opening lap today in 59.05 seconds as she maintained a strategic position near the front of the pack during the initial lap. The 21-year-old athlete accelerated over the final 100 meters, crossing the finish line in a time of 1:58.26.
Known for her aggressive racing style, Hodgkinson executed a different strategy under specific instructions for this race as she look ahead to the busy summer, which also includes the European Athletics U23 Championships, from 12-15 July in Finland.
Jemma Reekie, the Olympic fourth-place finisher, followed behind with a season’s best time of 1:58.93, while fellow Olympic finalist, Alexandra Bell, secured third place, also with a season’s best time of 2:00.68.
Katie Snowden Shocks Luara Muir
Meanwhile, in a surprising result of the 2023 British Athletics Championships, Katie Snowden scored an upset victory in the women’s 1,500m, edging out Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir in a thrilling sprint to the finish. Snowden, 29, from Herne Hill Harriers, crossed the line with a time of 4:10.24, leaving Muir behind.
Read Also: Full 2023 British Athletics Championships Results on Day 1
Reflecting on her somewhat unexpected triumph, Snowden expressed her satisfaction with her performance. “I knew my training had gone really well,” she stated confidently.
“I was feeling confident and psychologically ready. I knew I could finish among the top two, although beating Laura was not necessarily my expectation. It feels even more special when you know that you are competing with the best of the best in the UK.”
Muir, the two-time European champion, who entered the championship as the top European athlete in the women’s 1500m, completed the race in 4:10.24 for second place, while Melissa Courtney-Bryant ran home in third place with a time of 4:11.91.
For more detailed coverage of the 2023 British Athletics Championships, click here.
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