Keely Hodgkinson Set for Athletic Milestones Amid Sports Figure of the Year Celebration

Olympic gold medallist and 800m world record hopeful Keely Hodgkinson, recently named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, is eyeing up future targets in the athletics world, even as the outgoing year celebrates notable achievements across various sports, including the Olympics and European competitions.

Hodgkinson took home the top BBC sports accolade, recognizing her outstanding athletic achievements, which included winning Olympic gold in Paris 2024 and retaining her European title. The athlete also set a new British record of 1:54.61 in the 800m event. Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, have ambitious plans for Hodgkinson in 2025, with targets including both world indoor and outdoor golds. The duo is planning to push Hodgkinson to break the 800m world record currently held by Jarmila Kratochvilova since 1983, with a target time of 1:53.28. Sheffield-born Hodgkinson will also aim to challenge Jolanda Ceplak's indoor record of 1:55.82 at the upcoming "Keely Klassic" event in Birmingham, set to take place in February 2024.

Notably, the 71st BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, to take place on December 17th at MediaCityUK, is featuring six contenders for the top honour, with the winner to be revealed live during the broadcast. The event, hosted by Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Clare Balding, will recognize the most outstanding sporting achievement of the year.

The public can cast their votes for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and other awards including the Unsung Hero award, which honours individuals who contribute to sports development. Voting is now open to UK residents, with online voting accessible through BBC accounts and a QR code displayed on screen during the live show. It's worth noting that a limited vote per person applies.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year award has been a highly revered and anticipated event. With Hodgkinson's ambitious targets set for the coming year, 2025 and beyond appears promising for athletics enthusiasts. However, the December 17th live broadcast will provide a moment of drama and anticipation as the 71st Sports Personality of the Year winner is revealed.