Barrie Wells, an English businessman and philanthropist known for his support of British athletes, made a notable exception for Keely Hodgkinson, recognizing her exceptional talent that eventually led her to Olympic success.
In a recent interview with Athletics Weekly, Wells revealed his motivations behind choosing to support Hodgkinson financially despite his decision to stop sponsoring athletes. He explained that Hodgkinson’s unique abilities caught his attention, leading him to reconsider his stance.
Wells recounted their first meeting and his decision to help Hodgkinson relocate to a training camp in Florida to better prepare for her competitions. He expressed his delight at witnessing Hodgkinson’s victory in the Olympic 800m event.
“I observed Keely’s performance and concluded she was truly exceptional. Although I wasn’t inclined to support more athletes, her potential convinced me otherwise,” Wells shared.
Hodgkinson began her professional career in 2014, gaining recognition at the 2019 European U20 Championships where she earned a bronze medal in the women’s 800m. She made her Olympic debut at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Games, finishing second behind Athing Mu, and continued her strong performance at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where she again placed second behind Mu.
In the same year, Hodgkinson competed in the Commonwealth Games but was defeated by Mary Moraa, finishing second. At the 2023 World Championships, Moraa claimed the title, Mu took second place, and Hodgkinson secured third.
Determined to excel at the Paris Olympics, Hodgkinson showcased her top form, winning the women’s 800m. Tsige Duguma from Ethiopia came in second, and Moraa finished third.
Despite her success, Hodgkinson concluded her season with an announcement of a minor injury that would prevent her participation in the Diamond League meetings.
