Running News Daily

The Arena Stade Couvert in Liévin, France, became the stage for one of the most extraordinary performances in indoor middle-distance history as Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson delivered a masterclass over 800 meters at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais.

She did not simply break the women’s indoor 800m world record — she redefined it.

Hodgkinson stopped the clock at 1:54.87, slicing nearly a full second off the longstanding 1:55.82 mark set by Jolanda Čeplak. In doing so, she became the first woman in history to run under 1:55 indoors, a barrier many believed would stand for years.

From the gun, Hodgkinson committed to the pace lights and never wavered. Her opening lap was assertive but controlled, perfectly balanced between aggression and restraint. By 600 meters she had stretched the field into single file, running alone against the clock. There was no visible tightening in the home straight — only composed acceleration and absolute conviction through the finish line.

“Thank God! … That was pretty fun,” Hodgkinson said moments after crossing the line. “I’ve been really looking forward to this for a good few weeks.”

She credited the electric atmosphere inside the compact arena.

“Thank you for the amazing crowd. I could hear you all the way around, and that was a lot of fun. Thank you.”

Despite effectively racing solo over the final stages, she smiled when asked about the pressure.

“I had lots of help in here!”

Behind her, a deep international field produced strong performances, underlining the quality of the race.

Women’s 800m Results

1. Keely Hodgkinson (GBR) – 1:54.87 WR

2. Audrey Werro (SUI) – 1:58.38

3. Tsige Duguma (ETH) – 1:58.83 SB

4. Habitam Alemu Getachew (ETH) – 1:59.54 PB

5. Clara Liberman (FRA) – 2:00.61

6. Angelika Wielgosz (POL) – 2:00.70 SB

7. Dumas (FRA) – 2:01.47

Crestan Claims Meeting Record in Men’s 800m

Earlier in the evening, Belgium’s Eliott Crestan delivered a performance of his own, storming to victory in 1:43.91 to secure his third consecutive Liévin title.

His time established a new meeting record, surpassing the mark previously associated with Polish great Adam Kszczot.

“I am very happy to beat this record; he is a legend,” Crestan said after the race.

The men’s final unfolded at a relentless tempo from the outset. Crestan positioned himself perfectly before asserting control over the final 200 meters, powering clear with authority.

Men’s 800m Results (Final A)

1. Eliott Crestan (BEL) – 1:43.91 MR

2. Maciej Wyderka (POL) – 1:44.64

3. Slimane Moula (ALG) – 1:44.80 PB

4. Mohamed Ali Gouaned (ALG) – 1:44.92

5. Samuel Chapple (NED) – 1:45.37

6. Ryan Clarke (NED) – 1:46.72

A Night That Redefines the Event

Liévin has long been synonymous with fast times and world-class competition. On this night, it delivered something even rarer — a defining generational statement.

By breaking through the 1:55 barrier indoors, Hodgkinson has fundamentally recalibrated expectations for the women’s 800 meters. Records are meant to be broken. Barriers, however, are meant to challenge belief.

In Liévin, belief shifted.