Keely Hodgkinson adds Zurich Diamond Trophy to honours list

Keely Hodgkinson on her way to victory at the Zurich Diamond League

Keely Hodgkinson has continued her incredible year by winning the 800m at the prestigious Zurich Diamond League.

The 19-year-old from Leigh, who is coached by Wigan's Trevor Painter and his wife Jenny Meadows, showed a clean pair of heels to a star-studded field, pocketing a cool $30,000 in the process.

Her time of 1:57.98 was enough to secure her first Diamond Trophy, with Kate Grace (USA) second in 1:58.34 and Natoya Goule (Jamaica) third in 1:58.34.

British runner Jemma Reekie was fourth in a time of 1:58.61

"Queen @keelyhodgkinson," tweeted proud GB Olympic team-mate Emily Borthwick.

Hodgkinson's victory earns her a wildcard entry into next year's World Championships in Eugene.

"It's been a crazy year, I don't think I have had a chance to reflect on it yet," said Hodgkinson.

"There is a lot to sink in but I have enjoyed every aspect of it.

"I am going home then straight on a plane to Greece, and I am not going home for 10 days.

"I don't want to see a track for those ten days, and I am leaving my running shoes at home."

Hodgkinson has shown little sign of slowing down since winning Olympic silver in Tokyo last month with the fastest ever time by a UK runner.

She also obliterated her personal best running as a guest in a 400m event at Nottingham last week, with the second fastest time of the year by a European Under-20 athlete.

Hodgkinson is up to second in the world rankings for 800m, her highest ever placing.

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