Keely Hodgkinson celebrates winning Olympic gold in Paris
Keely Hodgkinson is a contender to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award
Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic champion, is now leading the race to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The Atherton-born athlete won the hearts of Great Britain and brought the nation to its feet when she clinched gold to become the Olympic 800m champion at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Consequently, Hodgkinson has been a favourite for the SPOTY title for some time, and her place in the final shortlist was officially confirmed on December 9. Her journey is one of inspiration, having narrowly missed out on winning at the Tokyo Games four years earlier, where she had to settle for silver.
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However, next Tuesday (December 17), the 22-year-old will discover if she can add the prestigious SPOTY trophy to her already impressive collection. As the UK anticipates the awards ceremony, below is a look at other intriguing aspects of her life...
Who are the BBC SPOTY nominees?
Hodgkinson may be the bookies' favourite, but she faces stiff competition from several other big stars. England footballer Jude Bellingham is among the contenders, following his La Liga and Champions League victories in his debut season with Real Madrid, as well as being part of the Three Lions' journey to the Euro 2024 final, reports the Mirror.
Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is also a favourite, while Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee, England cricket legend Joe Root and Para-cyclist Sarah Storey complete the list of nominees.
Keely Hodgkinson's net worth
In November, Keely Hodgkinson was valued at roughly £250,000, but this is set to soar. Dr Rob Wilson predicts she could pocket £1 million annually until the next Olympics in 2028.
Her Olympic triumph netted her at least £39,000, and a potential SPOTY win could elevate both her profile and wealth. In August, Wilson shared with 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."
Keely Hodgkinson's dating life
Discussing her personal life, Hodgkinson opened up regarding the strains long distance placed on her past relationship. The GB star confided in the Sunday Times about dating a fellow athlete who had lived abroad, stating: "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."
Man United friendship
Hodgkinson isn't the only one capturing hearts in the world of sport within her circle of friends. She shares a close bond with Manchester United star Ella Toone.
The Euro champion and Women's Super League sensation have been mates since their days growing up in Atherton. Hodgkinson, who was often called 'Mini Ella' as a youngster due to the time she spent with Toone, spoke to the Mirror about their connection: "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."