Keely Hodgkinson

Keely Hodgkinson is one of Britain’s most dynamic and engaging speakers, known not only for her phenomenal achievements on the track but also for her ability to captivate audiences with powerful, authentic storytelling. As an Olympic and European champion, Keely brings a fresh, relatable perspective to conversations around resilience, ambition, and performing under pressure. Her natural charisma, combined with her down-to-earth presence, makes her a compelling figure in both sporting and motivational speaking circles. Whether addressing aspiring athletes, corporate teams, or young people, Keely draws on her own journey to inspire excellence and mental strength.

Keely began her athletics career at Leigh Harriers in Greater Manchester, where her talent for middle-distance running quickly became apparent. Though she dabbled in swimming and gymnastics in her early years, it was the 800 metres that captured her heart—and the attention of coaches. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she won gold at the European U18 Championships, signalling the arrival of a future star. Guided by coach Trevor Painter and mentored through the British athletics system, she combined academic dedication with elite sport, balancing training with studies at Leeds Beckett University. Her rapid rise in a highly competitive discipline is a testament to her work ethic, focus, and inner drive.

In recent years, Keely has become a household name in British sport. At just 19 years old, she stunned the athletics world by winning silver in the 800m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, breaking the British record with a time of 1:55.88. She followed this with gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, cementing her status as a world-class competitor. She has also claimed multiple European titles, World Championship silvers, and even set a world indoor best for 600m. These accolades reflect not just her physical talent, but her mental resilience and consistency under the spotlight of global competition.

Keely is hired as a high-performance speaker because she brings more than medals—she offers genuine insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Her talks blend humour, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, making her a standout presence on stage. Audiences value her authenticity and the practical lessons she shares about mindset, motivation, and bouncing back from setbacks. Whether inspiring the next generation or energising professionals, Keely leaves a lasting impact.