"Audrey was just better on the day" - Keely Hodgkinson on her 800m season opener in Stockholm

Описание: Keely Hodgkinson opened her 2025 800m season in Stockholm, finishing behind Audrey (surname not given in transcript) in what she described as a quick and competitive race. She noted the result is currently the number-one time in the UK, at least, offering some consolation from a runner-up finish.

*On the race:*
Hodgkinson acknowledged she was caught off guard by her rival's move but said she kept composed in the moment. "When Audrey went off, I was like, hey, just chill, there's always a possibility that someone can do that," she said, adding that the performance earned her full respect.

*On losing to Audrey:*
Rather than dwelling on the defeat, Hodgkinson framed it as fuel for the training block ahead. "It'll motivate me more in training to come back and make sure that doesn't happen again," she said, insisting her rival was simply better on the day.

*On fitness and readiness:*
Hodgkinson admitted to arriving in Stockholm with some uncertainty about where her 800m form stood, having spent time focusing on 400m work. She described the race as an encouraging base to build from, with the season still at a very early stage.

*On taking lessons forward:*
She said the value of an early-season outing lies in the clarity it provides — identifying what can be improved — but concluded she was broadly satisfied with her decision-making during the race itself.