Keely Hodgkinson’s new athletics event explained: What is the ‘Keely Klassic’? Who will be competing? What will be different?

  • Keely Hodgkinson was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday 
  • The 22-year-old has announced plans for the inaugural ‘Keely Klassic’ next year 
  • Race will be Hodgkinson’s first since claiming Olympic gold in Paris this summer 

Keely Hodgkinson has announced the launch of her own indoor athletics event, with competition scheduled to take place next year.

The inaugural ‘Keely Klassic’ is part of the women’s 800 metres Olympic champion’s efforts to use her platform to revolutionise the sport.

Hodgkinson announced the event after being crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old claimed the honour ahead of darts sensation Luke Littler and England cricket star Joe Root.

Alex Yee, Jude Bellingham and Dame Sarah Storey completed the six-strong shortlist for the annual award.

Mail Sport’s David Coverdale answers all the key questions about the inaugural Keely Klassic.

 Keely Hodgkinson was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Tuesday night

The women's 800m Olympic champion will target the world record at the 'Keely Klassic'

The women’s 800m Olympic champion will target the world record at the ‘Keely Klassic’ 

The indoor event will be the first race Hodgkinson will contest since claiming Olympic gold

The indoor event will be the first race Hodgkinson will contest since claiming Olympic gold

WHAT IS IT?

A new indoor athletics event at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

WHEN IS IT?

Saturday February 15. Hodgkinson is due to race for the 800m world indoor record at 4.21pm.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT?

Tickets are on sale and the BBC are in advanced talks to broadcast the event on one of their main channels.

WHO WILL BE COMPETING?

As well as Hodgkinson, the event is promising ‘marquee’ British stars, likely to include global medallists Georgia Bell and Jake Wightman.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT?

There will be live music and entertainment. Athletes will wear new kit, possibly without bibs. The main races are likely to be condensed into one hour of action.

BBCBBC Sports Personality of the Year

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk