Keely HODGKINSON

After a rapid rise, Keely Hodgkinson is now an established star of British athletics with crossover appeal to the general public and major brands.

Hodgkinson has amassed an impressive collection of medals at major competitions including the Olympic Games. And she hopes to be a catalyst for greater appreciation of her sport.

"I do think us athletes work a lot harder than some other sports, and we don’t get the recognition we deserve. I don’t know how, but hopefully, we will get there,” she told the Guardian.

Keely Hodgkinson: From Early Beginnings to Olympic Glory

Hailing from Atherton, a small town near Manchester in the north of England, Hodgkinson went to school with future football star Ella Toone. Their friendship has endured over the years.

At nine, Hodgkinson joined her current team, Leigh Harriers, and started pursuing running. She was inspired by the gold medal-winning performance of British heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Shortly after, she began winning national and European titles in youth competitions, which set the stage for her success in 2021.