Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is set to make her highly anticipated return to competitive racing at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on 20 August. The 23-year-old British athlete has been sidelined since her triumphant gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a hamstring injury in February.

Hodgkinson's journey back to the track has been fraught with challenges. After withdrawing from the Diamond League meetings in Stockholm and London due to a minor setback, she is now poised to make her comeback just a month before the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. "Third time's a charm!" she quipped on Instagram, responding to the event organizers' announcement of her return.

Her return to Lausanne is not just a personal milestone but also a strategic move. Hodgkinson aims to regain her top form in time for the Worlds in September, where she hopes to surpass her previous silver medal achievements from 2022 and 2023. The British 800m record holder will face stiff competition from compatriots Jemma Reekie and Georgia Hunter Bell, who have made significant strides in her absence.

The Lausanne Diamond League event is the 13th of 15 in this season's series, culminating in Zurich on 27-28 August. This marks a crucial period for athletes as they fine-tune their performances ahead of the World Championships starting on 21 September. Hodgkinson's return adds an exciting dimension to the event, promising a thrilling showdown on the track.

As the athletics world eagerly awaits her return, Hodgkinson's resilience and determination continue to inspire. Her comeback story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.