Keely Hodgkinson’s coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, believe she is in exceptional form during training. She is setting her sights on the world’s 800m indoor and outdoor records. Following her crowning as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Hodgkinson is determined to push her limits in the upcoming season.
Hodgkinson’s Aiming for Indoor Glory in Birmingham:
The 22-year-old Olympic 800m champion, who remained unbeaten over two laps throughout the year. She will return to competition at the “Keely Classic” in Birmingham on February 15, 2025. Her primary goal? To break Jolanda Čeplak’s 800m indoor record of 1:55.82, which has stood since March 3, 2002— coincidentally, the day Hodgkinson’s was born.
Overcoming Setbacks & Gearing Up for 2025:
After the Paris Olympics, Hodgkinson’s ended her season due to a minor hamstring injury but is now back in training. She recently took a break from her high-altitude camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa, to attend the BBC Sports Personality Awards in Salford.
Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, who coach Hodgkinson’s alongside nearly 20 elite athletes at M11 Track Club, were also recognized with the BBC Sports Personality Coaches of the Year award. Meadows, a decorated middle-distance runner herself, sees immense potential in Hodgkinson’s over the next few years.
Hodgkinson’s Aiming for Double World Titles & Outdoor Records:
Meadows outlined the ambitious goals for 2025, which include winning both the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing and the World Outdoor Championships in Tokyo. She also believes Hodgkinson’s is on track to challenge Jarmila Kratochvilova’s outdoor world record of 1:53.28, the longest-standing record in athletics since 1983.
“Physically, Keely can run a 1:53, but achieving 1:53.28 is a different challenge,” Meadows said. “We’re aiming for 1:53 in 2025 and hope to push further in the future.” Hodgkinson’s personal bests currently stand at 1:54.61 outdoors and 1:57.18 indoors.
Recognition & Challenges for Coaches:
Painter & Meadows’ BBC recognition places them alongside legendary coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson & Pep Guardiola. Painter expressed pride in keeping athletics in the spotlight, especially during an Olympic year. However, the duo faces challenges, including significant cuts to UK Athletics funding.
Navigating Funding Issues:
The Times reported that Painter’s pay was reduced by 62%, with bonuses for coaching medalists eliminated. Despite these hurdles, Painter and Meadows have focused on self-sufficiency, leveraging commercial partnerships to sustain M11 Track Club.
“We’ve created a system that doesn’t rely entirely on funding,” Painter said. “Keely’s success is a testament to that approach, and we’re committed to continuing our work regardless of financial challenges.”
Looking Ahead:
With a stellar 2024 season behind her and ambitious goals for 2025, Keely Hodgkinson’s remains a key figure in middle-distance running. Supported by her dedicated coaches, she is poised to redefine the limits of her sport.
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