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Hodgkinson beat Hunter Bell to win the 800m at Athlos:

The story at the women’s 800 metres last night at the Athlos meet in New York was emphatic — Keely Hodgkinson surged past her compatriot Georgia Hunter Bell to claim a commanding win, ending an injury‑marred season on a high. (Reuters)
A triumphant finish to a turbulent season
For Hodgkinson, the race was more than just a victory — it was redemption.
Having spent much of the 2025 season sidelined with hamstring troubles and limited racing opportunities, she came into Athlos with questions surrounding her form and fitness. (Reuters)
But at Icahn Stadium she showed that she still owns the 800m.

She crossed the line in 1:56.53, leaving Hunter Bell almost two seconds behind in 1:58.33, while St Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney grabbed third in 1:58.57. (The Guardian)
Hodgkinson admitted she “barely raced this season,” and that might have helped her — less wear and tear, fewer expectations.
“It was probably less of a struggle for me to go out there and want to give it something,” she said. (The Star)
The packed stadium and electric atmosphere also lifted her spirits: “The atmosphere out there is crazy so it was really, really fun.” (The Guardian)
The race dynamics
From reports, Hodgkinson executed a race that played to her strengths — controlled yet aggressive.
She didn’t overextend early but positioned herself smartly.
As the field began to stretch in the final lap, she made her move and opened a decisive gap.
Hunter Bell tried to respond, but was unable to match Hodgkinson’s closing speed. (The Guardian)
Hunter Bell, herself an elite middle‑distance runner and training partner of Hodgkinson, took silver.

Her time, though off Hodgkinson’s mark, still underscored her consistency in the 800m this season. (Wikipedia)
Interestingly, Athlos is a women‑only meet with a twist — in lieu of standard medals, winners receive Tiffany & Co crowns, and the meet combines athletics with a festive ambient experience including live music. (Reuters)
Serena Williams, who is married to Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian, presented the crowns. (The Guardian)
Context: the bigger picture for Hodgkinson
This result carries particular weight because Hodgkinson’s 2025 season had been largely disrupted.
She missed extensive periods due to injury, including withdrawing from the “Keely Klassic” indoor meet she had hoped to headline. (Reuters)
However, she had shown glimpses of her vintage form earlier in the season.
In August, she clocked a world‑leading 1:54.74 in Silesia, and followed up with a meeting record 1:55.69 in Lausanne. (Wikipedia)
Those performances had raised hopes she could still deliver at the top level, even after her time on the sidelines.
On the eve of Athlos, she had spoken openly about being inspired to chase the longstanding women’s 800m world record (1:53.28, held since 1983). (Reuters)
Though that mark may still seem distant, her victory in New York will reinforce her belief that she is on the right path. (The Guardian)
For Hunter Bell, the silver in New York is another strong result in what has been a breakout season for her in the 800m.
She had previously made the harder choice of skipping the 1500m at major championships to focus on the 800m, a decision that has paid dividends. (Wikipedia)
What it means going forward
While results in exhibition meets like Athlos do not carry world ranking points or championship implications, they matter psychologically.
For Hodgkinson, this win is a reminder — to herself and the field — that she remains a force in the 800m, even after a season of setbacks.
For Hunter Bell, it confirms her rising status and competitive consistency.
If Hodgkinson can stay healthy, sharpen her racing tactics, and maintain the confidence this win provides, she could reenter championship contention at full tilt.
The question is whether the injuries of 2025 are truly behind her.
But tonight, at least, she silenced doubts — she looked like the 800m queen once again.