- The 22-year-old excelled under pressure in Paris, finishing with a time of 1 minute 56.72 seconds.
- She celebrated her victory by donning a crown, snapping photos, and ringing the bell.
- Supporters throughout the UK, including her running club members, cheered her on.
Fans, family, and commentators have expressed their excitement following Keely Hodgkinson’s impressive gold medal win, as the Team GB star dominated a formidable field to secure victory in the 800m final at the Paris Games.
This remarkable win allowed the 22-year-old to finally triumph after a string of second-place finishes, including a frustrating silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years prior.
Ranking first in the world, Hodgkinson came into the Paris Games filled with anticipation and skillfully advanced through the heats and semi-finals.
Under the electrifying atmosphere of the Stade de France, she excelled to achieve a winning time of 1 minute 56.72 seconds and now has the privilege of celebrating as an Olympic champion.
Videos circulating show fans in both Paris and throughout the UK rejoicing at the memorable 800m victory of the British athlete.
Gabby Logan and Jessica Ennis-Hill were among those cheering on Keely Hodgkinson tonight
The magical win meant the 22-year-old finally overcame an agonising run of second-place finishes
She thrived under the pressure at a raucous Stade de France to run a winning time of 1 minute 56.72 seconds
An excited Gabby Logan teamed up with former Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, enthusiastically cheering Hodgkinson from the BBC studio.
The duo could be heard urging, ‘Come on Keely’ as they rooted for the Team GB star.
Meanwhile, England footballer Ella Toone was captured watching from home, anxiously holding her head in her hands during the tense moments.
Hodgkinson’s friends passionately shouted her name as she raced around the track at Stade de France, securing her gold medal.
The atmosphere at Leigh Harriers, Hodgkinson’s home athletics club, was electric, with a large crowd watching her cross the finish line.
As Hodgkinson completed her victorious race, former Olympic champion and BBC presenter Denise Lewis was seen in tears, reflecting on the significance of the moment.
At the race’s start, Hodgkinson strategically waited for one of her competitors to lead and thus Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma stepped up.
This was part of Hodgkinson’s strategy; she positioned herself closely behind her rival, ready to make her move.
Just seconds later, she took the lead three-quarters into the first lap and never faltered.
As the halfway bell sounded, the elite athletes surged ahead in a desperate attempt to secure an Olympic medal.
Hodgkinson faced fierce competition from Moraa, who was neck and neck with her at times during the latter half of the race.
But the Team GB star increased her pace effortlessly, pulling away from the rest of the competitors to finish strong.
Hodgkinson had to fight off a strong performance from Moraa which saw her practically neck and neck with the Brit at times during the second half of the race
But the Team GB poster girl effortlessly picked up the pace and cantered clear of the field to cruise over the line
The Team GB star lived up to her favourite tag in nerveless fashion to beat a strong field
In the aftermath of her victory, as the gravity of her achievement sank in, Hodgkinson let out a triumphant roar and began taking photos with family and friends, signalling the beginning of what promises to be a long night of festivities.
She further enhanced her celebration by ringing the Olympic bell, showcasing an effort that was just as impressive as any seen during these Games.
Duguma ultimately surpassed a weary Moraa to secure silver with a personal best time of 1 minute 57.15 seconds, while Moraa retained the bronze medal.
