Keely Hodgkinson plans to celebrate her Paris Olympics 800m gold medal on the beach in Marbella with a glass of rose as her choice of tipple.
The 22-year-old claimed Team GB’s 12th gold medal of the Paris Olympics in style on Monday as she romped to victory in the 800m final.
Hodgkinson was the favourite going into the final and she dealt with the pressure expertly to cross the line for the first global title of her young career.
The Manchester-born athlete was seen celebrating with her family after crossing the line in emotional scenes.
Keely Hodgkinson won gold for Team GB in the women’s 800m final
REUTERS
And they’re all set to fly out to Marbella together to continue the celebrations with Hodgkinson hoping for a party atmosphere.
She said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m gonna join my family. I’ve not been on a family holiday since 2019.
“They’ve gone over to Marbella today and I’m gonnna go join them in a few days.
“I’m more of a rose wine girl so I’ll be on the beach at some point having a nice glass of rose wine.”
The British athlete was neck-and-neck with Mary Moraa as the field made the last turn down the final 100m with the Kenyan threatening to upset the odds.
But there was a huge roar from the crowd as Hodgkinson began to run clear of the field to ease to victory.
Hodgkinson revealed later that she definitely heard the support from the British contingent inside Stade de France stadium urging her to the finish line.
She added: “It’s rare that I actually hear them on the way round, which sounds crazy, because you’re so focused and in the zone.
“But I remember coming down that home straight and just being lifted up by it, it was incredible.
Keely Hodgkinson embraced her family after the race
REUTERS
“To be in Paris, it honestly felt like a home crowd. There was so many British people there and its just so nice that they got behind track and field.”
Caster Semenya is the only female athlete to have won Olympic gold in the 800m twice and Hodgkinson will fancy her chances at matching that feat in Los Angeles 2028.
However, Hodgkinson doesn’t want to take her first Olympic gold for granted as she plans to treasure every second.
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Keely Hodgkinson will be heading out to Marbella to celebrate
REUTERS
“I think for me it will be later in the day when I have a moment for myself because I have not had time to think on my own yet,” she said.
“I think that’s when I will rewatch the race back and really take it in because I don’t want to not take it in.
“It’s a really special moment and hopefully it happens again, but nothing is guaranteed in this life.”