The BBC's Sports Personality of the Year has long divided opinion - can it really be about personality when Nigel Mansell has won it twice? But however nebulous the criteria for winning, Keely Hodgkinson ticked every possible box in 2024. She was a cold-blooded killer on the track, a free spirit off it: Killing Eve's Villanelle in super spikes.
What makes Hodgkinson so interesting - aside from her immense talent - is that she does things on her own terms. The Olympic Games in Paris was no different. In the British prep camp she walked around with Chanel sunglasses and a Louis Vuitton handbag. Several times staff pointed out that it was not official GB kit, but she just smiled and carried on.
Her confidence manifested itself in a different way in the 800m final in Paris. Conventional wisdom suggested that the faster the race, the greater her chance of victory. Instead Hodgkinson took the lead after 300m and only slowly wound it up, before turning on the turbochargers in the home straight. It was a moment of glory and sweet dominance. The fact that she had won silver three times in major championships - the Olympics in 2021 and the worlds in 2022 and 2023 - made the step to the highest step of the podium all the sweeter.
Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2024 de The Guardian.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Monumental moment' Home nations tee up joint bid for 2035 Women's World Cup
The home nations are to join together in a bid to host the Women's World Cup in 2035, a move which, if successful, would mark a \"monumental moment in our nation's sporting history\", according to Keir Starmer, the prime minister.
Ofwat sued after customers pay for neglect by water industry
An environmental group is to take legal action against Ofwat, the water regulator, for \"unlawfully\" making customers pay for decades of neglect by the water industry.
New DNA tool 'crucial' in fight against superbugs
A rapid DNA sequencing system has been designed by scientists to stem the rise of superbugs by accurately identifying bacterial infections faster.
A 'second republic' Bangladesh's student uprising leaders form political party before promised elections
In the shadow of Bangladesh's parliament building, crowds poured into the streets, many adorned in the red and green of the national flag. Just six months ago, these roads had been a battleground littered with bullet casings and bodies, as students fought armed police to bring down the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina.
Smith's uphill battle to regain England place after Italy axe
Marcus Smith faces an uphill battle to regain his England place after Steve Borthwick sought to kickstart his side's spluttering attack by axing the Harlequins playmaker, dealing a major blow to his British & Irish Lions hopes.
Sketch Lies and boasts cheered and jeered by bitterly divided Capitol
Well, at least he didn't give a Nazi salute, declare war on Canada or pull the plug on Nato. You never know these days. But Tuesday night was when Donald Trump finally turned the once reverential occasion of a speech to Congress into just another sordid campaign rally.
Kulusevski out but Spurs set sights on redemption
Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham's rejuvenated squad can sense an opportunity in the Europa League to make up for their disappointing season but confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski is set to be out until after the international break.
Ravindra's runs power Black Caps into final
New Zealand will take on India in the final of the Champions Trophy after centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson enabled them to outmuscle South Africa in their Lahore semi-final.
Company boss pleads guilty over deaths of paddleboarders
A company owner and instructor has pleaded guilty to the gross negligence manslaughter of four paddleboarders who died when she took them out during flooding and severe weather in Pembrokeshire.
London student 'may have raped 100 women'
Police fear a PhD student convicted yesterday of drugging and raping 10 women could be one of the worst sexual offenders in British history, after recovering videos of him attacking a further 50 victims.
