Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, currently ranked among the world’s elite 800m runners alongside Audrey Werro and Femke Broeders-Bol, has disclosed that an MRI scan revealed a significant anatomical abnormality in her hamstring. The 24-year-old athlete explained that her body is literally built differently, possessing two tendons where most individuals have only one. This structural split, discovered following a suspected tear last year, is currently the focus of ongoing management efforts to determine whether it serves as a performance advantage or a liability.
The condition allows Hodgkinson to continue racing even when one of the tendons sustains damage, as the second remains intact. However, she noted that the anomaly may also increase her susceptibility to further injury. Hodgkinson shared these details after competing in the 800m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, where she finished in second place behind Swiss athlete Audrey Werro. This appearance followed a confirmed hamstring tear she suffered during the European Championships held in Birmingham just a few weeks prior.
Regarding the Birmingham incident, Hodgkinson stated, When one of them tore, I still had another one because it is split. While she could feel that something was not quite right during the race, the injury did not hinder her performance. She emphasized that she has not missed any training sessions over the past three weeks, though she has adjusted her preparation. By taking her foot off the speed training, which is considered the most high-risk activity for her condition, she is learning how to safely navigate the unique requirements of her anatomy. The report also notes that but I’ve just had to alter my approach.
