Keely Hodgkinson Wraps Up Campaign with Winning Performance at Athlos Meet in New York
The athlete achieved her fastest time of 1:54.61 the previous season in London.
Keely Hodgkinson concluded her 800m campaign with a triumph at the all-female Athlos meet in New York on Friday night.
{The reigning Olympic gold medallist, who secured bronze at the World Championships recently, excelled in an impressive win in one minute 56.53 seconds in what was only her sixth race in a year impacted by a hamstring injury.
Compatriot and world silver medallist Georgia Bell took the runner-up spot once more in 1:58.33, while the athlete from St Vincent Shafiqua Maloney (one minute 58.57) claimed third.
"I haven't competed much this season so it was probably easier for me to compete and be motivated to perform," said the 23-year-old.
"The environment out there is crazy so it was extremely enjoyable."
The women-only event filled Icahn Stadium in its second edition, introducing a festive vibe to conventional athletics, with live music and special crowns replacing standard medals.
The 23-times tennis major winner Serena Williams, who is married to the founder of Athlos Alexis O., was present to present the winners with their tiaras.
Last year's winners took home $60,000 (£44,603) - among the biggest cash prizes in athletics.
The competition also drew several top athletes, as the Kenyan three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Faith Kipyegon triumphed in the mile race, finishing in four hours 17.78 minutes.
The US Brittany Brown, the 200m bronze winner from last year's Paris Olympics, won the 100m and 200m double.
Associated Subjects
- Track and Field
- Athlete transitions to 800m with excitement