**Superhero-suited Hodgkinson Powers to Athlos 800m Title**
Keely Hodgkinson capped off a challenging season with a triumphant performance at the all-women's Athlos London 2026 event, held at StoneX Stadium on Friday. The British Olympic champion showcased her resilience and competitive spirit by winning the 800 meters in a time of 1:56.40, finishing more than two seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.
Dressed in a striking black, hooded speedsuit that evoked a superhero aesthetic, Hodgkinson appeared both stylish and formidable on the track. The suit, which she described as a long-term project in collaboration with Nike, was well-received by spectators. "I know, it’s pretty sick," she remarked, emphasizing the event's playful atmosphere. "I would have loved to have had (an event like this) when I was younger. This is fun… life is supposed to be about enjoying it."
Hodgkinson's victory comes on the heels of a rocky season, during which she faced significant challenges, including a hamstring tear sustained at the European Championships in Birmingham. Although she finished second to Switzerland’s Audrey Werro at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest the previous week, Hodgkinson's performance in London demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity. An MRI last season had revealed a rare split hamstring tendon, allowing her to continue competing despite the risk of recurring injuries.
The Athlos event, which made its debut outside the United States, was designed to elevate women's athletics by offering attractive prize money and athlete ownership opportunities while maintaining an entertainment-focused approach. Founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the event featured individual athlete walkouts, a long jump staged on a raised platform beside the track, and custom Tiffany & Co crowns awarded to winners.
Ohanian expressed his excitement about the event's impact, stating, "It is going to continue to grow and the world is watching." The streamlined format of the competition included only seven disciplines, each featuring straight finals without qualifying rounds. Athletes competed for substantial prize money, with winners earning $65,000 and bonuses available for breaking world records.
American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who won the 100 meters in 10.80 seconds, echoed Ohanian's sentiments about the event's potential for global reach. "Athlos's arrival in London showed the event was beginning to make its mark globally," she noted.
In addition to Hodgkinson's 800m victory, several other athletes delivered impressive performances. Polish runner Klaudia Kazimierska narrowly defeated Britain's Georgia Hunter Bell in the women's mile, clocking a time of 4:19.43. Olympic champion Gabby Thomas secured the 200m title with a time of 22.13 seconds, while Alaysha Johnson won the 100m hurdles in 12.50 seconds. Marileido Paulino of the Dominican Republic completed the day with a victory in the 400m, finishing in 48.73 seconds.
Despite the chilly 17°C conditions and end-of-season fatigue, the athletes displayed remarkable determination and skill. American long jumper Alyssa Jones, who won her event with a leap of 6.66m, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete at Athlos, stating, "I just graduated college and I’m broke, so this is amazing."
As the inaugural Athlos London 2026 event concluded, it left a lasting impression on both athletes and spectators, showcasing the potential for women's athletics to thrive in a fresh and engaging format. Hodgkinson's victory not only highlighted her prowess as a middle-distance runner but also underscored the spirit of innovation and celebration that Athlos aims to bring to the world of sports.