Georgia Hunter Bell falls short of record as last-minute star of ‘Keely Klassic’
Georgia Hunter Bell came up a second short in her quest to run the British 1500m indoor record at a deflated Keely Klassic.
With headline act Keely Hodgkinson pulling out from her world record tilt in the 800m on Thursday because of injury, the spotlight fell on training partner Hunter Bell over the longer distance.
And while the Olympic bronze medalist eased to the win in a personal best of 4:00.63 she was still well off Laura Muir’s 3:59.58 set in 2021. In the men’s 1000m Neil Gourley clocked a British record 2:16.74, only to be beaten into second place by Dutchman Samuel Chapple.
Hodgkinson’s race was won by Isabelle Boffey in 2:01.69, almost six seconds off the world record that last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year was targeting.
Olympic champ Hodgkinson was eyeing a tilt at the 22-year-old indoor mark set by Jolanda Ceplak at her own meet in Birmingham but pulled up in a final training session on Wednesday with a sore hamstring.
And a scan has shown damage that could leave her sidelined until after next month’s world championships in China.
“I won’t lie, when I got the news I shed a tear,” Hodgkinson said. “I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans, especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.”
It is the third time in a year that Hodgkinson has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. She missed the entire 2024 indoor season because of a problem that also impacted her knee. And after storming to gold in Paris last August declared plans to lower her personal best were also derailed by an injury.
Hodgkinson’s camp have continuously stressed their focus is on the long-term with her coaches eventually eyeing an attempt at the notorious outdoor record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983.
The current indoor mark of 1:55.82 was set on the day Hodgkinson was born by Ceplak. But the record has been tainted by the Slovenian serving a doping ban later in her career.
Hodgkinson, who was still at Utilita Arena to meet fans, added: “This event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”
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