SIX OF THE BEST
Keely Hodgkinson challenged to rarely-seen race by Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler
Team GB superstar sets sights on staggering record in 2025
KEELY HODGKINSON has been challenged to a rarely-seen race by a fellow Paris Olympics 2024 gold medallist.
The Team GB superstar, 22, ran to glory at the Stade de France in the 800m final.
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Her thrilling victory was capped off by wearing a golden crown as she soaked up the adulation of her Olympic victory.
But now she could be about to step foot back on the track in a very unfamiliar race.
That is because Dutch athlete Femke Bol wants to take on Hodgkinson in a one-off 600m battle - similar to pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis beating 400m hurdler Karsten Warholm in a blistering 100m showdown.
Bol, 24, is a four-time Olympic medallist, winning a thrilling gold for her nation with her sensational leg in the 4x400m mixed relay in Paris.
READ MORE ON KEELY HODGKINSON
She also secured a bronze in her predominant event, the 400m hurdles - where American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke the world record in emphatic fashion.
However, not deterred by her defeat, Bol is ready for her next contest - and is eyeing up Brit Keely.
Speaking at the finals in Brussels, Bol said: "I would actually love to run with Keely Hodgkinson at 600m.
"We are good friends.
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"But it's a bit far so I have to think it through really well."
Hodgkinson is not in Brussels for the final major meet of the season after suffering a minor injury and deciding to rest up for the remainder of 2024.
Speed queen Keely Hodgkinson basks in Olympic gold medal glory
Writing on social media last month, she said: "No more races for me!!
"Unfortunately I picked up a small injury, but we achieved everything I had hoped to do this year, thank you for all the love and support!!
"See you on the track next year."
Glamorous European champ Hodgkinson won all nine of her 800m races in 2024, breaking her own national record in July before her memorable Olympic win.
That secured Team GB's 12th gold medal of the Games as she emulated Kelly Holmes.
Following her exploits on the purple track, she headed off to Marbella to soak up the sun on holiday before reuniting with her fellow athletes for Team GB's homecoming event in Manchester.
Then Hodgkinson enjoyed a night out with pals at the swanky Sexy Fish restaurant.
In 2025, the Brit will go for more glory as she eyes a first world title in Tokyo and wants to break the 800m world record which has stood for more than four decades.
Jarmila Kratochvilova ran a 1:53.28 time in July 1983 - and no woman has ever gone faster.
But Hodgkinson reckons she has what it takes.
She said at the homecoming event: "It's definitely something I've thought about since I raced in London.
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"I think that record has stood for so long. It's been a long time since anyone has hit [one minute] 53 seconds, so I'd love to do that.
"I think I can. I now believe I can do that."
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