British track athlete Keely Hodgkinson is the favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after a glittering 2024, which saw her win Olympic gold in Paris
08:48, 10 Dec 2024
Gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Team Great Britain (C) celebrates by kissing the medal on the podium during the Women's 800m medal ceremony on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France
Keely Hodgkinson is the favourite to be crowned 2024 BBC SPOTY(Image: Getty Images)
Team GB star Keely Hodgkinson is in pole position to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year after capturing British hearts en route to clinching gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The nation was on its feet as she triumphed in the 800 metres, claiming one of 14 golds Great Britain earned in France. It wasn't long before the Atherton native was installed as a favourite for the SPOTY title, with her profile growing enormously since the summer.
The 22-year-old will find out on Tuesday (Dec. 17) if she can add the coveted SPOTY trophy to her growing collection. And The Mirror has delved into all aspects of the Team GB star's personal life ahead of what could be one of the biggest evenings of her career to date.
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Who are the other BBC SPOTY nominees?
Hodgkinson may be the bookies' favourite, but she faces stiff competition from several other stars. England footballer Jude Bellingham is among the contenders having won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid in his debut season and was part of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final run.
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is also a favourite following his breakthrough year among the sport's elite. Meanwhile, Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee, England cricket legend Joe Root and Para-cyclist Sarah Storey round off the list of nominees.
Keely Hodgkinson net worth
Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson during the Women's 800m Final at the Stade de France on the tenth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France
Hodgkinson is one of the faces of Team GB after her success in the summer(Image: PA)
In November, it was estimated that Keely Hodgkinson had a net worth of around £250,000. However, this figure is set to rise, with sports finance expert Dr Rob Wilson predicting she could earn around £1million per year until the 2028 Olympics.
In August, Wilson told Saxo: "Keely is already becoming one of the most recognisable faces for UK athletics. Now she has managed to grab the gold, she can expect a stellar relationship with brands, marketing agencies, and UK Athletics, becoming a poster athlete for endorsements and associated commercial activities."
She was thought to have pocketed at least £39,000 for her Olympic gold medal win. If she bags the SPOTY award, her fame and fortune are likely to soar.
Keely Hodgkinson's love life
Keely Hodgkinson attends the NTA's 2024 at The O2 Arena on September 11, 2024 in London, England
Hodgkinson has said she's not interested in dating right now(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
On the personal front, Hodgkinson revealed that long distance put an end to her relationship with a fellow runner. The Team GB star told the Sunday Times in October: "Long-distance killed it. He was living in Texas and then Italy, and with my schedule, we could go weeks without seeing each other. It was tough.
"I'm not really interested in dating right now. I've never been on the apps. I like meeting people in real life."
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Old Trafford BFF
Keely Hodgkinson and Ella Toone standing next to each other for a photo
Hodgkinson and Man Utd star Ella Toone met when they were kids(Image: Twitter)
Hodgkinson isn't the only one in her circle making waves, however. That's after fans learnt she's close to none other than Manchester United's Ella Toone, the European Championship-winner and Women's Super League sensation.
The two have been mates since childhood, with Keely even dubbed 'Mini Ella' back in the day because she was always seen with the footie ace. Speaking about their friendship. Hodgkinson told The Mirror: "We are just two young girls living their dreams. Ella and I went to school together. She was two years older but somehow we ended up getting on really well. I was referred to as the 'mini Ella' so we always kept in touch."