As the curve of the final bend of the Olympic women's 800m final began to straighten, three women were lurking on Keely Hodgkinson's shoulder: waiting for her to wobble, to wilt, to walk away clutching silver again. But this time the 22-year-old from Wigan would not be denied. With a fearlessness that has become her trademark, she kicked for home with an intensity that shook the Stade de France and left her rivals wading through lactic. At last, she was an Olympic champion.
There was a glance up to the stadium scoreboard to make sure there were no gremlins about to steal her moment, before a scream of exhilaration and a thump of the right fist. And then the tears started to flow.
Could you blame her? Hodgkinson could have been forgiven for having PTSD on the start line given that she had returned from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the 2022 and 2023 world championships with three silver medals. But this was a different Hodgkinson. She knew that. And so, eventually, did her opponents.
"That was absolutely incredible," she said. "I have worked so hard for this over 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. And to do it here, where better? The audience was absolutely incredible. It felt like a home crowd to me, and it is held in Paris. I am super happy."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 06, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 06, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
"They can't get away scot-free' EFL wants to charge Leicester with PSR breach if relegated
The English Football League wants to charge Leicester over the alleged breach of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) the Premier League was blocked from pursuing this month, if the club are relegated.
Rodgers’ star on rise again as rampant Celtic extend perfect start
This proved a modern day Celtic Park rarity.
City off-colour as Gündogan's late misses hand dogged Inter a point
Manchester City know only too well how tough a nut Inter are to crack.
Significant ankle damage rules Ødegaard out 'for a while'
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has damaged ankle ligaments and will be sidelined \"for a while\" after the Arsenal captain was injured on international duty.
Salvatore Schillaci, 1964-2024 Italy mourns its goalscoring hero from 1990 World Cup
Tributes have been paid to Salvatore Schillaci after the former Italy forward died at the age of 59.
Captain Brook hands rebooted England licence to entertain
In one sense the five-match ODI series between England and Australia that starts in Nottingham today is slightly lacking in wider context.
'Any free time, I'll go fishing.My missus thinks I'm a bit weird'
Ollie Sleightholme, who is geared up for title defence, explains how angling relieves the pressures Northampton's
Itoje rejects Jones’ claims he is not suited to captaincy
Maro Itoje has rejected claims by the former England head coach Eddie Jones that he is \"very inward-looking\" and not suited to Test captaincy, after being unveiled as Saracens' skipper.
Floods and tears Worcestershire dig deep to shine despite adversity and tragedy
Somerset could still win their first County Championship title, while Surrey remain on for the three-peat.
Remote working Like it or loathe it, WFH looks like it is here to stay
Four years ago when the world of work was upended by the Covid pandemic, confident were made predictions that a permanent shift in remote working would follow the removal of lockdown restrictions.
