Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter-Bell are preparing to deliver what could be one of the defining moments of British athletics at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, as the pair aim for an unprecedented one-two finish in the women’s 800m.
Hunter-Bell, who won bronze in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics, faced a tough choice over which distance to contest in Tokyo. Ultimately, her strong form across two laps, including notable Diamond League wins in Stockholm and London, convinced her to target the 800m. The relative lack of depth in the event also played a role in the decision, giving Britain a realistic chance at dual podium success.
Hodgkinson, meanwhile, returned this month from a 376-day injury layoff with a stunning performance that placed her ninth on the all-time list. As the reigning Olympic champion, she carries Britain’s brightest hopes for gold and has her sights set on confirming her dominance over the distance. Together, the training partners present a formidable pairing, with the potential to make history.
Beyond the women’s 800m, the British squad is stacked with medal contenders. World champions Josh Kerr and Katarina Johnson-Thompson will both be in action in the men’s 1500m and women’s heptathlon, respectively. Matthew Hudson-Smith is also a leading favourite in the men’s 400m, while George Mills, fresh from breaking Mo Farah’s long-standing 5,000m record earlier this year, returns to major competition after recovering from a wrist injury.
The endurance squad is equally strong, with Emile Cairess making his comeback following a missed London Marathon. Cairess, who placed fourth in the Olympic marathon in Paris, will be looking to challenge the very best on the global stage once again.
Team officials are confident the squad can match or even surpass the record-equalling 10 medals achieved at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. The combination of proven global medallists with emerging stars provides balance, depth, and the chance for Britain to showcase its strength across multiple disciplines.
With the stage set in Tokyo, the ambition is clear: to convert world-class performances into podium finishes. If Hodgkinson and Hunter-Bell can deliver their dream of a British one-two in the 800m, it would not only add to the medal tally but also mark a defining moment for the nation’s athletics history.
