KEELY HODGKINSON wore sunglasses for the first time in a race to avoid getting wrinkles – and to “stop the Botox early”.
The Olympic 800 metres champion qualified fastest from the heats on day two of the European Athletics Championships.
Keely Hodgkinson sported a pair of sunglasses in a bid to ward off ‘wrinkles’ Credit: Alamy
The British Olympic star said she was trying ‘stop the botox early’ at the European Athletics Championships Credit: Alamy
The Leigh athlete, 24, eased down as she crossed the line first from heat one in 1:57.28 – way ahead of Swiss rival Audrey Werro.
sported a pair of wrap-around glasses on a bright day in the West Midlands but it was for both cosmetic and practice reasons.
She laughed: “I’m trying not to get wrinkles and stop the Botox early. So, sunglasses had to go on today.
“Oh, it’s sunny out there. Sometimes it’s quite nice just to like block everything out.
“I train with sunglasses on all the time, so yeah, it’s whatever.
“Will I wear them for the final? It’s going to be 10pm. I’m not going to need them. I want to see everything.”
Hodgkinson’s tilt at three successive 800 metres titles at European level – she was champion in 2022 and 2024 – will be under threat from Werro and Dutchwoman Femke Broeders-Bol.
She is known for being someone who does not enjoy the early-morning starts that are associated with the early rounds, preferring to have a long lie-in.
The 24-year-old won a gold medal in the 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympics Credit: Instagram
The Team GB hero qualified fastest from the heats on day two of the championships Credit: Instagram
The three-time World Championship medallist – who was recently on a warm-weather camp in Portugal – said: “I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever run in a heat at the European champs.
“I felt the girls pushing on my shoulder. I didn’t want to overdo it. A little bit forcing myself to slow down. I’ve got a day off now.
“I’m really happy and just excited to showcase where I’m at and hopefully have the performance I know I’m capable of.
“It’s always all about medals. They create legacy. The Europeans are just as important as the rest. I look forward to defending my title.
“I got goosebumps out there and it was very motivating. I was ready, then I heard the crowd and I’m like, okay, now I’m even more ready.
“So it’s moments like this I thoroughly enjoy training for and yeah, I’m so excited to be ready.
“I don’t think I need to put any kind of statement out. I’m back myself. I don’t need to go crazy trying to prove anything.
“That will come in the final, hopefully, when it really matters. So yeah, happy to do that, happy to be in shape, and be healthy most importantly. I’m just ready to go.”
Scotswoman Jemma Reekie qualified for the semi-finals in 1:58.45 – she was in eighth spot overall – but Britain’s Erin Wallace did not advance (2:01.10).
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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