Hodgkinson Set to Return in Lausanne on 20 August

 

British middle-distance star Keely Hodgkinson is set to make her much-anticipated return to the track at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Lausanne on August 20, marking her first race since early summer. The 22-year-old, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in the 800m, will be looking to reaffirm her status among the world’s elite as she builds toward the latter stages of the 2025 athletics season.

 

Hodgkinson, a silver medallist at both the Tokyo Olympics and two consecutive World Championships, has had a relatively quiet year by her own high standards. After opening her season with a dominant performance indoors and a solid showing early in the outdoor campaign, she opted for a short break to recover and reset, choosing quality over quantity in her competition schedule. Now, with Lausanne fast approaching, fans and pundits alike are eager to see if she can recapture the form that has made her a global force in the two-lap event.

 

Her return in Switzerland is significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, Lausanne has often served as a key battleground for the world’s top 800m runners. The meet has seen legendary performances in the past, and this year’s field is expected to be stacked with talent, including strong contenders from the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Hodgkinson’s presence adds further prestige to an already high-profile event and is likely to draw global attention.

 

Secondly, this race comes just weeks before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. For Hodgkinson, Lausanne is not just about winning; it’s about measuring herself against top-tier competition and fine-tuning her race strategy. With rivals like Athing Mu and Mary Moraa also sharpening their form, the women’s 800m is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events on the world stage. Lausanne will provide an early preview of what fans might expect in Tokyo.

 

What sets Hodgkinson apart is not only her incredible speed and tactical intelligence but also her maturity beyond her years. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, she has handled pressure with grace, regularly delivering strong performances in high-stakes situations. Her decision to prioritize rest and targeted racing over a packed calendar reflects a level of strategic planning uncommon in athletes her age.

 

Coach Trevor Painter has expressed confidence in Hodgkinson’s preparation and has hinted that she’s been working on specific elements of her racing technique during the break. “Keely’s in a great place mentally and physically,” Painter said in a recent interview. “She’s had time to work on her acceleration phase and her ability to finish strong. Lausanne is a great place to show that progress.”

 

British fans will be watching with keen interest, hopeful that Hodgkinson’s return marks the beginning of a strong finish to the season. A podium finish—or even a statement victory—in Lausanne would set the tone heading into the championships and reaffirm her credentials as one of the top medal threats in Tokyo.

 

As the countdown to August 20 begins, all eyes will be on the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne. For Keely Hodgkinson, it’s not just a return to competition—it’s the next chapter in what promises to be a remarkable career.

 

 

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