Keely Hodgkinson: A Triumph of Perseverance and Excellence

Keely Hodgkinson, the 22-year-old Olympic gold medallist, has been crowned the 2024 Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year, marking a significant achievement in her already illustrious career. After clinching victory in the 800m event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with an impressive time of 1:56.72, Hodgkinson has established herself not only as a formidable competitor but as an inspiring figure in athletics.

Achievements

Hodgkinson's journey to global recognition has been marked by several significant milestones over the past year:

• Olympic Champion: Hodgkinson secured her Olympic title, finally obtaining the global accolade she had long sought.
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year: In December 2024, Hodgkinson was also awarded this coveted title, honoring her exceptional contributions to British sports.
• Retention of European Title: Demonstrating her consistency, she successfully retained her European 800m title, solidifying her dominance in middle-distance events.
• Record Breaker: During the London Diamond League, she shattered her own British record, clocking in at an astonishing 1:54.61, making her the sixth-fastest woman of all time.

The Competition

In a year filled with outstanding performances from athletes, Hodgkinson's achievement stood out. The shortlist for the 2024 Sportswoman of the Year also featured notable names, including:

• Georgia Bell (1500m runner)
• Laura Collett (showjumper)
• Emma Finucane (cyclist)
• Katarina Johnson-Thompson (heptathlete)
• Bryony Page (trampoline gymnast)
• Amber Rutter (shooter)
• Sarah Storey (Paralympic cycling)

Against such qualified contenders, Hodgkinson's decisive victories and record-breaking performances have clearly resonated with the public and critics alike.

Other Honors

The awards did not stop with Hodgkinson. Other athletes also received prestigious honors, showcasing the rich talent across sports:

• Young Sportswoman of the Year: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who won bronze in diving at the Paris Olympics.
• Disability Sportswoman of the Year: Sarah Storey, accumulating more gold medals at the Paralympic Games.
• Team of the Year: The women’s quadruple sculls rowing team, featuring Lauren Henry, Lola Anderson, Georgina Brayshaw, and Hannah Scott, for their dramatic Olympic victory.
• Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration: Awarded to ultra-runner Jasmin Paris.
• Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year: Val French, a retired PE teacher passionate about cycling.
• Editor's Choice Award: Given to Eleanor Oldroyd for her contribution to sports broadcasting.

Keely Hodgkinson's accolades and her unwavering dedication to her sport not only highlight her individual talent but also inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with tenacity and ambition.