Keely Hodgkinson leads the world in the 800m on the opening day of the UK Indoor Championships, while Dina Usher-Smith wins 60m gold.
On the opening day of the action (February 14), the Olympic champion put on a master class, clocking a world-leading 1:56.33 to beat her own British record of 1:57.18, set in 2023. Leading from the gun, Hodgkinson led the field away, underscoring his authority.
The performance moves her into third place on the world indoor all-time list and marks the fastest women’s 800m in nearly 24 years.
Hodgkinson will not return for Sunday’s final as his focus is on the Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais in Livigno on February 19. There he will be a target. Jolanda CzeplakThe long-standing world record of 1:55.82.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “There were a few nerves because it was obviously my first since last October, but I’m enjoying the racing, especially because I missed a lot last year. I’m in really good shape, the healthiest I’ve been in a long time, so I wanted to make the most of it.
“We planned Lievin six months ago, so it was always in the spotlight. We have tried to compromise and get the best of both competitions. I’m excited to be out of graduation next week.”
There was also an announcement in the women’s 60m as Dinah Usher-Smith returned to the championships for the first time since 2015. this time he was sharper, storming to victory in 7.05.
Asher-Smith, the world 200m silver medalist in Tokyo last year, and Amy Hunt entered the final as the standout contenders, both advancing as the fastest qualifiers. Hunt, fourth after slipping in the final a year ago, looked determined to challenge.
But Asher-Smith made his intentions clear out of the blocks, bursting into an early lead. His 7.05 was a championship record and also just 0.02 off his personal best, the British record set at the same Birmingham arena in 2023.
Hunt took silver in a season-best 7.15, while Aaliyah Sibbons produced a perfectly timed run to secure bronze in a personal-best 7.29.
“I was really happy with that final execution,” Usher-Smith said. “I definitely put together the performance I wanted for myself today.
“I’m excited to get back into training and work on some things because even though it was a great race, there are still areas that could be tighter. It’s a really interesting place. I had fun improving on the race.”
Referring to his runner-up, Hunt added: “It’s never fun to lose, especially to one of your biggest rivals. On the one hand it’s frustrating, but on the other hand we’re becoming much more consistent.
“To be disappointed with 7.15 shows how far I’ve come in the last 12 months.”
Women’s 60m hurdles, defending champion Abigail Powlett enjoyed a flawless day, setting personal bests in every round. After running 8.08 in the heats and 8.06 in the semifinals, she dropped her time again to 8.05 in the finals to successfully defend her crown.
Emma Nwofor secured the silver with 8.14, while 18-year-old Thea Brown won the bronze with 8.22.
A first British title went to Madeline Downe, who clocked 8.24 in the women’s 60m, ahead of Rebecca Scott (8.36) and defending champion Sophie Hahn (8.38).
Molly Codery marked her return from injury with a victory in the pole vault. Competing for the first time since injury at the world championships in Tokyo, Codery cleared 4.65m to reclaim the British indoor title, calling time on his competition after missing 4.70m alone. Jade Spencer-Smith (4.25m) and Jade Ive (4.15m SB) rounded out the podium.
The women’s long jump went the way of Lucy Hadaway, whose 6.45m was comfortably enough for gold. Alice Hopkins won silver with 6.26m and Molly Palmer won bronze with 6.22m.
There is much more to come on Sunday as several athletes will safely advance to their respective finals. After a late withdrawal An injury flare-up saw Georgia Hunter Bell change the picture in the women’s 1500m and it was Gemma Rickey who set the pace in the heats with the fastest qualifying time of 4:18.63.
Meanwhile, world indoor medalist Amber Annning progressed comfortably from her heat and will look to build further momentum ahead of her title defense in Poland next month.
