Seb Coe: Keely Hodgkinson could become the best athlete in British history.

Hopes for a great career for Hodgkinson

According to The Sun: Seb Coe believes that Keely Hodgkinson could become the standout athlete of Great Britain.

The 19-year-old athlete is currently in Japan to compete in the Athletics World Championships. Last year, she won gold in the 800-meter race at the Olympic Games.

Although she was unable to win the world championship title in the two-lap race twice, 23-year-old Hodgkinson remains determined to add this victory to her achievements at the Olympics and European competitions.

Dreaming of a world record

The athlete from Lich plans to break the 42-year-old world record in her discipline, opening promising prospects for the next decade.

He commented on her chances of becoming the best athlete among the Brits, and the head of World Athletics, Lord Coe, noted:

“Yes, she absolutely can.”

“I have no doubt about that. Absolutely, for sure. She can reach the top of the international level if she continues.”

“She has many seasons of athletics ahead of her and great coaches like Jenny Meadows and Trevor Painter.”

“These people know what they are doing. They are a true example of British coaching.”

“I have spoken with her often enough to know she is mentally uniquely stable.”

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“She wants to finish her career in athletics at the top — and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t.”

Strong season start

Hodgkinson began her season on August 16, after 376 days without competitions due to two injuries to her hamstring.

Her time of 1 minute 54.74 seconds in Poland — the current best in the world — was described by Coe as

“incredible”

In her next appearance, just four days later in rainy Lausanne, Switzerland, she won with a time of 1 minute 55.69 seconds.

The British middle-distance legend Seb Coe, 68 years old and a two-time Olympic champion over 1500 meters, noted:

“One can only wonder how she has come back.”

“To sit and then go on the track for the first time and run 1:54...”

“We have talked about this long enough, she is a real talent. It was smart to compete in two consecutive competitions.”

“She tested if she has the strength for competitions back-to-back? And the answer was clear: 'Yes'. She is in good shape.”

Ready for the championship

The nine-day World Championships start on Saturday in the same national stadium where the Olympic Games took place four years ago.

Seb Coe assures that there are plans in place in case typhoons affect the event, reminding that bad weather caused matches to be canceled at the Rugby World Cup in Japan six years ago.

The British leader added:

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!”

“We have comprehensive weather reports and forecasting teams on site.”

Thus, the competitions could become a significant milestone in Hodgkinson's career, as it is not only about titles but also about the opportunity to set a new world record. Success at these championships would once again confirm her position as one of the most promising athletes in the world. Time will tell if Keely can actually achieve all her set goals in the coming years.