Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson dominated the Olympic 800m final to win gold in Paris and end her wait for a global title.

The 22-year-old had finished second at successive World Championships after claiming a stunning silver on her Olympic debut in Tokyo as a teenager in 2021.

But Hodgkinson put that series of near-misses on the sport's biggest stages behind her as she took charge of the final and would not relent as Kenyan rival Mary Moraa threatened to pass on the outside.

Crossing the line in one minute 56.72 seconds, Hodgkinson could not hide her emotion as the magnitude of her achievement struck, instinctively punching the air in delight and later donning a crown as she celebrated with the crowd.

Ethiopia's Tsige Duguma (1:57.15) won silver while world champion Moraa (1:57.42) had to settle for third at the Stade de France, as Hodgkinson became the third British woman to win the title - and first since Kelly Holmes in Athens 20 years ago.

Hodgkinson, already a four-time European champion in as many years as a professional, posed for photos and signed autographs as she savoured the golden moment she has long dreamed of.

"I think [stepping on the podium] is when it will sink in and you will see some real emotion from me," Hodgkinson said.

"I have worked really hard for the last year and I think you can see how much it meant to me when I crossed the line. I can't believe I have finally done it!"

This was Great Britain's first Olympic track title since Mo Farah won the 5,000m and 10,000m double at Rio 2016.

Hodgkinson, meanwhile, is only the 10th British woman to win athletics gold at a Games.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1020 HRS, AUG 06, 2024
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