After executing a seismic record-breaking run to smash Jolanda Ceplak’s near 24-year women’s indoor 800m mark last month, Hodgkinson’s attention was fixed firmly on gold in Torun.
This was the final international podium missing from Hodgkinson’s extensive list of honours, after various injuries prevented her from competing at each of the past three editions.
The 24-year-old has also been denied in her three attempts to win world gold outdoors, achieving two silvers and one bronze.
The Briton said that she hoped it would be “fourth time lucky” indoors in 2026 – but she had to overcome misfortune even before beginning her gold medal bid, after the airline which she had travelled with lost her kit.
With her belongings delayed, Hodgkinson was forced to complete her preparations in somebody else’s spikes, which ended up giving her a blister.
But that did not affect Hodgkinson as she dominated Friday’s heat, before cruising to victory in Saturday’s semi-final in a time faster than all but one of her fellow finalist’s personal bests.
Switzerland’s Audrey Werro was the only contender with an indoor best time within three seconds of Hodgkinson’s world record mark, and the Briton’s superiority was evident as she comfortably strode clear inside the venue where she achieved her first international medal five years ago.
