Keely Hodgkinson was crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the awards ceremony held in Salford on Tuesday night, capping off a remarkable year for the 22-year-old from Greater Manchester. This year saw her ascend to Olympic glory as the champion of the women's 800 meters at the Paris Games, solidifying her status among the elite athletes.
Hodgkinson stormed through the final to clinch her first global gold medal, having previously secured silver at the Tokyo Olympics and twice at the World Athletics Championships. "This year has been absolutely incredible for me," Hodgkinson said after being announced the winner by Sir Chris Hoy. "I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track, which is rare, so I’m so grateful to be in this position. Thank you to everyone who voted at home – I hope you all loved watching Paris just as much as I loved competing in it."
Reflecting the versatility of Hodgkinson's year, the awards night also acknowledged her coaching team. Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows received the Coach of the Year award, with Hodgkinson openly expressing her gratitude. "I’m actually more excited for my coach to be honest, because I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance since I was 17," she shared. This sentiment encapsulates her respect for the pivotal role of her support team as she navigated the highs of her athletic career.
The public vote for the Personality of the Year went head-to-head with esteemed nominees, including Paralympic champion Dame Sarah Storey, Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham, and England cricketer Joe Root. Teen darts sensation Luke Littler captured the Young Sports Personality of the Year title and finished second overall, making waves with his remarkable achievements at just 16 years old.
Accepting their awards with humor, cycling legend Mark Cavendish received the Lifetime Achievement award, drawing attention to the importance of sport within society. He remarked, "I’ve always been a sports fan, and sport has this incredible ability to inspire. It’s good we celebrate it with SPOTY, we’re such a strong nation in the world of sport, and to celebrate it every year is very special."
Before the ceremony, Hodgkinson made headlines for her stunning appearance, donning a sleek cut-out gown created through a collaboration between South London-based fashion label KNWLS and Nike. "It's a really exciting collaboration, and I have loved seeing it come to life," she expressed to ELLE UK. The gown managed to elegantly blend the signature Nike Swoosh logo with KNWLS's famed second-skin design, demonstrating the fusion of sport and fashion.
Describing the design, the creators Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault shared, "We were inspired by a photo of antique embroidered silk stockings and decided to create the Nike version with the swoosh embroidered tonally." This creative approach indicates how Hodgkinson's influence and visibility are paving new pathways for independent brands within the sporting domain.
Hodgkinson's fashion selection was not only about making a statement but also served to embody her strong and unique personality. The athlete noted the importance of feeling "your best self" when dressing for occasions like the Sports Personality of the Year awards, which she aptly fulfilled with her attire.
The awards night highlighted Hodgkinson's significant progress as she continues to redefine the expectations of female athletes. Having won not just the top award, she carried with her the spirit of countless female athletes who have come before her. Just three years ago, she settled for silver at the Tokyo Olympics, but her ascent to the top epitomizes the hard work and sheer talent she poured onto the track.
From her sweeping victory to her charming persona, Hodgkinson has emerged as not just an athlete but also a cultural icon. Her public demeanor and free spirit embody modern athlete characteristics, with her out-of-the-box style making her relatable to many. At the British camp prior to the Olympic Games, she showcased her confidence with stylish accessories like Chanel sunglasses, which were not part of the official GB kit, reflecting her authenticity.
Beyond her style and accolades, Hodgkinson's resilience is equally notable. Early in her teenage years, she faced physical challenges, including surgery to remove a tumor, which might have hindered her athletic career. "It was so close to my nervous system," she recounted, indicating the severity of her situation. Yet, her determination shone through, reflecting her athletic prowess.
With the 2024 season looming, Hodgkinson aims to demolish existing records and propel herself higher within the athletics community. There's little doubt; this young athlete embodies the spirit of resilience, motivation, and unity within sport, all of which have been celebrated through the SPOTY platform. Only time will tell what heights she will achieve next.
While she has made considerable strides, some believe she should already be on every athletics fan's lips as one of the biggest stars, especially with her engaging personality and relatable stories shared after competitions. Whether joking about her occasional forgetfulness or her eye-catching outfits, Hodgkinson's charm captivates sports enthusiasts and will continue to do so as she charts her course forward.
