Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian reacts to Keely Hodgkinson running a world-leading time ahead of Paris Olympics

English middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson clocked 1:54.61 to take the 800m victory at the London Diamond League. Her achievement drew the attention of tennis legend Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, who congratulated Hodgkinson for setting the national record and world lead in front of her home crowd.

Hodgkinson, 22, swept the 800m silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her impressive feat lowered the British record time, previously held by Kelly Homes since 1995. She also earned the silver podiums at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Her repertoire encompasses two European titles each in both indoor and outdoor.

After her defeat at the 2023 Worlds, she rebounded with the gold at the Eugene Diamond League Final, improving her British record by clocking 1:55.19. In 2024, she stretched clear to win the 800m title at the Prefontaine Classic in a world-leading time of 1:55.78.

At the 2024 London Diamond League, the Brit unfurled her prowess in the 800m again, setting a new world-leading time of 1:54.61 and a new national record and as well.

Ohanian was impressed by Keely Hodgkinson's feat and and took to his X handle to congratulate her for triumphing in front of the home crowd in London:

"Congrats @keelyhodgkinson on setting that national record! Loved seeing you do it in front of your home crowd here #LondonDL"

Ohanian introduced a new women-only track league, the 776 Invitational, set to debut in September 2024. In addition to the gender exclusivity, it will also have one of the largest prize purses, around ten times ($60,000) the Diamond League prize money for the winners.

Olympic-bound athletes, Gabby Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Josh Kerr have already confirmed their entries at the 776 Invitational.

Keely Hodgkinson on her London race - "It’s so nice when you’re walking through and you hear people shouting your name"

Keely Hodgkinson won her first Diamond Trophy over the distance in 2021. But the 2024 held more importance since it was the last Olympic tune-up before Paris in front of her home crowd. The atmosphere of the Diamond League installment won her heart and she didn't wish to waste the opportunity.

"I felt really good today, I just wanted to go for it and see what was there. It was a little bit of bravery and fearlessness with a great atmosphere like this, I didn’t want to waste the opportunity," Hodgkinson told BBC.

She added:

"It’s so nice when you’re walking through and you hear people shouting your name...I’m feeling really good and confident ahead of Paris."

Women's 800m Round 1 is scheduled on August 2 at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where Hodgkinson will face a contentious track.