Hodgkinson claims victory at Athlos event in London

Keely Hodgkinson powered to victory in a custom-made full-body speed suit at the Athlos event in London, marking its inaugural staging in the UK. The event, which took place on September 18, 2026, celebrated all-female athletics, and Hodgkinson's performance in the 800m race drew loud cheers from the sellout crowd at StoneX Stadium.

The 24-year-old athlete completed the race with a time of one minute 56.40 seconds, securing a decisive win. Upon donning the all-black aerodynamic outfit, Hodgkinson expressed her excitement, stating, "This has been like a year in the making. It's a mixture of fashion and speed and science all coming together for maybe the future of athletics."

Hodgkinson indicated her pride in being the first to wear the custom suit, designed in conjunction with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who was also present at the event alongside his wife, tennis champion Serena Williams. The Athlos meeting offered a unique prize structure, featuring a silver Tiffany crown for winners in place of traditional medals, along with a total prize pool of $1.05 million (£790,500) across various events.

Athlos presented seven disciplines in a single-night format, with each competition showcasing six athletes. The atmosphere was described as festive, complete with a DJ performance and a red carpet for athlete arrivals. Hodgkinson reflected on her mixed year leading to this event, having achieved notable successes including her first world 800m title, while also experiencing injuries that temporarily hindered her performance.

She faced setbacks during the summer, finishing second in both the European Championships and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. However, her win at Athlos capped off the season positively, as she shared the stage with fellow champions, highlighting the joyous occasion.

Among other participants, American sprinters Gabby Thomas and Sha'Carri Richardson showcased remarkable performances, with Richardson winning the 100m event and Thomas clinching victory in the 200m race. Overall, Athlos distinguished itself as a bold initiative aiming to elevate female athletics, and Ohanian expressed aspirations to expand the event into a global league in the future.