Next month, Keely Hodgkinson attempts to break Jolanda Čeplak’s indoor 800m record, evoking comparisons to Jarmila Kratochvílová’s legacy.
On July 26 in 1983, Jarmila Kratochvílová entered the Olympiapark Meeting in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and set a world record in the 800m that remains untouched 42 years later.
Now, another star of the track, Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson, is preparing to write her own chapter in the annals of athletics history.
The Olympic 800m silver medalist has announced her intention to break Jolanda Čeplak’s indoor 800m world record of 1:55.82, which has stood since March 3, 2002 – coincidentally, the very day Hodgkinson was born.
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Allyson Felix has shared a heartfelt glimpse into her family life, reflecting on love, resilience and the strength of motherhood.
The attempt will take place at the much-anticipated Keely Klassic on February 15 in Birmingham, promising to draw fans and elite competitors alike.
Hodgkinson’s outdoor personal best of 1:54.61 puts her among the fastest women ever over the distance, but her indoor mark of 1:57.18 suggests there’s still room for improvement on the shorter, tighter tracks. She has been training intensively in South Africa in preparation for what could be a defining moment in her career.
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The Keely Klassic is part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze series, a designation that ensures it will attract high-caliber athletes from the UK and beyond.
Among the other stars competing are Jake Wightman, who aims to reclaim the UK indoor 1000m record, and pole vaulter Molly Caudery, the current UK record holder and reigning world indoor champion.
“This event is all about bringing energy, passion, and top-tier athletics to the fans. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, with some of the UK’s best athletes competing and a special focus on the 800m,” she said in an interview with Athletics weekly.
Čeplak’s 1:55.82 was a groundbreaking achievement when it was set and no athlete since has managed to eclipse it. Hodgkinson’s preparation has been meticulous, as she looks to leverage her outdoor speed and tactical acumen to achieve history indoors.
Aside from Hodgkinson, other records could tumble at the Keely Klassic.
Jake Wightman, the 2022 world 1500m champion, has set his sights on reclaiming his UK indoor 1000m record of 2:17.51. The mark was narrowly surpassed in 2019 by Charlie Da’Vall Grice’s 2:17.20. Wightman’s presence ensures the event will offer thrills beyond the marquee 800m race.
Molly Caudery, who soared to 4.92m last year to set a UK record in the pole vault, is another major draw. Having clinched the world indoor title in 2024, she is eager to carry her momentum into the new season.
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Meanwhile, Bell, another UK distance talent, is aiming to improve her indoor best of 4:03.22 in the 1500m, adding depth to an already impressive lineup.
The Keely Klassic offers fans a chance to witness a new generation of athletes challenging the records of the past.
Just as Kratochvílová’s and Koch’s legendary performances have endured through the decades, Hodgkinson and her peers seek to etch their names into the history books.
