Keely Hodgkinson Shines in Custom Speed Suit at Athlos Debut in London

Keely Hodgkinson delivered a stunning performance at the inaugural Athlos event held at StoneX Stadium in London, securing victory in the 800m race while donning a custom-made full-body speed suit. The event, which marked Athlos’s debut outside of New York, was met with enthusiastic cheers from a sellout crowd.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of one minute 56.40 seconds, showcasing her prowess after a challenging season. Hodgkinson’s outfit, designed to enhance performance, featured innovative elements such as colour-changing 3D-printed nodes aimed at reducing drag, alongside a stylish open back and a ponytail opening.

A Night of Celebration and Competition

Hodgkinson expressed her excitement about the suit, stating, “This has been like a year in the making. It’s a mixture of fashion and speed and science all coming together for maybe the future of athletics.” The event was not only about competition but also aimed to highlight female athletes, with Hodgkinson receiving a silver Tiffany crown instead of a traditional medal.

The Athlos meet featured seven disciplines, each with a prize pot of $1.05 million (£790,500), and a top prize of $65,000 (£48,500) for winners. The atmosphere was lively, with a DJ providing entertainment track-side, creating a unique blend of sport and celebration.

Highlights from the Athlos Event

• American sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson won the 100m in 10.80 seconds.
• Gabby Thomas, the Olympic 200m champion, triumphed in the 200m with a time of 22.13 seconds.
• Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska narrowly defeated Georgia Hunter Bell in the mile event.
• Dominican Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino won the 400m in 48.73 seconds.

Hodgkinson’s victory comes at the end of a mixed year, which included a world 800m title and a record-breaking indoor season. Despite setbacks, including injuries, she finished the season on a high note, celebrating her win with fellow athletes.

The Future of Athlos

Founded by Alexis Ohanian, Athlos aims to create a global league focusing on female athletes. While the event faced challenges, including the cancellation of a New York meet, Ohanian is optimistic about aligning Athlos within the global athletics calendar in the coming years.

As Hodgkinson and her peers enjoyed the spotlight, the event successfully combined sport with glamour, leaving a lasting impression on both athletes and fans alike.

Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from BBC Sport.