Greater Manchester’s Keeley Hodgkinson has been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the year
The Atherton born 800m runner who won gold in the Paris Olympics is the 6th fastest woman ever over 800m, the fastest woman in the World this year and was also undefeated over 800m in 2024
She announced herself world stage winning a silver medal three years ago at the Tokyo Games at the age of 19
She won the European title in 2022 and 2024 and the European indoor title in 2021 and 2023. She also won a silver medal at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023 as well as at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Keely began her sporting career at Leigh Harriers at the age of nine after running in the Primary Schools XC Championships, finishing in 1st place
At the age of 13 she overcame adversity and is now partially deaf in one of her ears after losing 95% of her hearing due to a tumour.
After her win, she said: “I am in a bit of shock. I’m more excited for my coach, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his guidance. Thank you to everyone who voted at home, I hope you enjoyed watching Paris as much as I loved competing in it.”
