Keely Hodgkinson has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2024 after her remarkable triumph at the Olympic Games, where she clinched the gold medal in the 800 meters. The ceremony, held on December 17, 2024, at Salford, marks another milestone for the 22-year-old athlete, who had also set a new British record with her stellar performance.
Hodgkinson's path to this prestigious award has been nothing short of spectacular. Competing at the Paris Olympics, she emerged victorious, finally seizing the global title she had narrowly missed out on during her earlier appearances at the Tokyo Olympics, where she finished with silver. Besides claiming Olympic gold, Hodgkinson also defended her European title and achieved the impressive feat of being the sixth fastest woman ever to run the 800 meters, clocking 1 minute 54.61 seconds.
During the awards ceremony, Hodgkinson expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, "This year has been absolutely incredible for me. 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" (by: Keely Hodgkinson, reported by Associated Press). Her heartfelt words resonate with the triumphs she has achieved this season.
The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is not only prestigious but also reflects widespread public recognition. Hodgkinson topped the public vote, surpassing contenders like teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, who came second after making headlines as one of the youngest players to compete at such high levels, and accomplished England cricketer Joe Root, who claimed third place.
Speaking of her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, who were also honored with the Coach of the Year award, Hodgkinson remarked, "I’m actually more excited for my coach to be honest, because I wouldn’t be where I am without him and his guidance" (by: Keely Hodgkinson, reported by Associated Press). Both coaches played pivotal roles not only during her Olympic preparation but also throughout her entire athletic career.
The award ceremony brought together other notable figures from the world of sports. Lily Littler, for her part, was awarded the Young Sports Personality of the Year, making headlines for his historic achievements at just 16 years old. Meanwhile, Team of the Year went to Wigan Warriors, and the Lifetime Achievement award recognized the illustrious career of cycling legend Mark Cavendish.
Throughout the previous year, Keely Hodgkinson had battled adversity and leveraged her experiences to maximize her performance on the track. She had faced challenges at the World Championships previously, securing two silver medals but emerged stronger and more motivated. This year, competing at the highest levels and remaining unbeaten over the 800-meter distance added to her confidence and pushed her to new heights.
Looking toward the future, Hodgkinson has ambitious goals. Her coaches already have their eyes set on 2025 for world indoor and outdoor competitions, with aspirations to break the elusive long-standing world record set by Jarmila Kratochvilova back in 1983. "I have seen this year what my body is capable of and I'm excited to push on," Hodgkinson stated, showcasing her determination and commitment to excellence.
With the World Indoor Championships taking place soon and the Olympic Games on the horizon, Hodgkinson's dedication and hard work are set to continue shaping her bright future. "I trust in Trevor and Jenny a lot," she said, indicating her reliance on her support team as she strives for more records and titles.
The achievement of this award signifies not only Hodgkinson's hard work, dedication, and talent but also serves as inspiration for countless young athletes across the UK and beyond. Here’s to her remarkable achievements and the many more victories yet to come!
