Training accident delays Hodgkinson's 800m world record attempt

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson faces an unexpected hurdle in her bid to break the 800m world record after tripping on a metal grate during a training cool-down in Wigan. The accident caused significant swelling and removed chunks of skin from her knees, disrupting the meticulous preparation required for a record attempt. She is now targeting the London Diamond League meeting as her immediate opportunity.

The mark she is chasing stands at 1:53.28, set by Czechoslovakia's Jarmila Kratochvilova in Munich in July 1983. At 43 years old, it is the longest-standing world record in athletics. To beat it, Hodgkinson needs to run more than a second faster than her previous best, a margin that demands flawless physical conditioning and pacing. The recent setback introduces uncertainty into whether those critical one per cent gains can be achieved on the start line.

Scans confirmed there was no damage to her kneecaps, only inflammation, bruising and pain. "It's one of those accidents, but it's fine now and I can run now, I'm pain free and I'm happy to be here and relaxed and healthy and all that," Hodgkinson said. "It's a good old-fashioned cut on my knees, not very much I can do!"

Rather than forcing the pace to chase a specific time, Hodgkinson has shifted her immediate focus to securing a victory. "Of course I still believe in myself, of course I do, but I'm not killing myself trying to chase things to everybody else's timeline," she said. "I think most importantly, I want to win tomorrow. It's been a couple of weeks that I haven't won and that's the main aim."

If the record does not fall in London, the European Championships in Birmingham next month offer a prominent stage for another attempt. That event could also set up a significant continental showdown with Swiss runner Audrey Werro, who recently recorded the third and fourth fastest 800m times in the world.

Kerr targets the Mile

While Hodgkinson manages her recovery, fellow Briton Josh Kerr is preparing to attack another historic mark. Kerr is targeting Hicham El Guerrouj's Mile record of 3:43.13, which has stood for 27 years.

The 1500m specialist has structured his entire season around bringing the record "back to Britain". Unlike Hodgkinson, Kerr reported that his preparation has been near perfect, stating he would "know in the few steps whether the record is on."