The iconic former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The iconic former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
During a heart-to-heart at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson told Olympian Keely Hodgkinson that the true value of her Olympic gold would only dawn upon her after retirement.
The 22-year-old from Atherton tapped into the nation's affections in Paris, this summer, when she claimed victory in the Olympic 800 metres - adding to her previous silver from the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Her compelling performance has propelled her into the pole position for this year's Sports Personality of the Year, according to bookmakers at least. Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy who made waves as the Premier League darts champion, is reportedly second in the race for the prestigious accolade.
ALSO READ: Luke Littler compared to Tiger Woods as darts icon's net worth rockets past £1m
ALSO READ: Luke Littler shows true colours with classy five-word message for Fallon Sherrock
Despite the allure of the honour, though, for Hodgkinson meeting the iconic Manchester United manager might just surpass it all. Recalling the encounter with Sir Alex to The Daily Mail - as relayed by The Express - she said: "It was really nice to be recognised by the team that I've supported my entire life.
"We met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was crazy. He was very nice, very chatty. I showed him my gold medal. He said, 'You'll only appreciate this in 20 years' time when you're done'."
Hodgkinson currently stands with 3/10 odds - or around that mark - to secure SPOTY via public vote, as per Odds Checker. Hot on her heels, though, is Littler, who has odds of 13/2 - while cycling giant Mark Cavendish is listed at 28/1 at this current time.
Reflecting on his own visit to Old Trafford and subsequent meeting with Sir Alex, Littler said: "Warrington Wolves invited me down and I went to the Manchester United game [last weekend] and met Sir Alex Ferguson.
"To meet him was amazing and he said some lovely things to me about staying dedicated and believing in myself."