Keely Hodgkinson withdraws from Zurich Diamond League 800m
UKPulse Sport Desk
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has pulled out of Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Zurich, where she was due to face Audrey Werro and Georgia Hunter Bell in the women's 800m.
- Hodgkinson withdrew from the Zurich Diamond League 800m, citing her body not being ready to race after the European Championships.
- The race was set to feature five of the biggest names in women's 800m, including new European champion Audrey Werro.
- Werro is the heavy favourite after running the third-fastest 800m time in history this season.
Keely Hodgkinson has withdrawn from Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Zurich, where she had been scheduled to compete in a blockbuster women's 800m race.
The Olympic champion was set for a rematch against Switzerland's Audrey Werro, who has gone unbeaten in a sensational outdoor season, as well as compatriot Georgia Hunter Bell, reigning world champion Lilian Odira and European bronze medallist Femke Broeders-Bol.
Hodgkinson said: "Unfortunately, the body isn't quite ready to race again after the European championships, so we've made the decision to skip this race and get ready for the next one. Sad to miss it, hopefully see you next year!"
Werro, 22, clinched European gold over Hodgkinson in Birmingham earlier this month and broke Hodgkinson's meeting record in Lausanne with 1:55.33. She is the heavy favourite for Zurich, having run the third-fastest 800m time in history this season.
Why this matters: Hodgkinson's withdrawal removes the most anticipated head-to-head of the women's 800m season, denying fans a first meeting of all five top names this year.
What this means for you: Fans attending or watching the Zurich Diamond League will not see Hodgkinson race, but can still watch Werro, Hunter Bell, Odira and Broeders-Bol compete.