In a heart-pounding finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Great Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell grabbed silver and teammate Keely Hodgkinson took bronze in the women’s 800m final on September 21, 2025. Kenya’s Lilian Odira surged ahead to win gold with a championship record time of 1:54.62, denying the British pair a historic one-two finish.
Thrilling Race Unfolds on Final Day
The race started with high expectations for the British athletes, who share a close training bond. Odira, known for her strong finishes, timed her move perfectly in the last 100 meters. Hunter Bell clocked a personal best of 1:54.90, just edging out Hodgkinson by 0.01 seconds at 1:54.91. This marked the first British double medal in global middle-distance running in over four decades.
Fans watched as the duo pushed each other hard. Their times rank among the fastest ever by British women in the event. Odira’s victory added to Kenya’s dominance in distance running, building on their success at recent Olympics.
This result came after intense semifinals where both athletes showed top form. Hunter Bell, who focused solely on the 800m this year, used her speed to stay in contention. Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, fought through the pack despite visible fatigue.
Hunter Bell’s Inspiring Comeback Story
Georgia Hunter Bell’s silver medal caps a stunning return to athletics after a five-year break. She quit the sport in her early twenties but rediscovered her passion, training under coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows. Her Olympic bronze in Paris 2024 was just the start; this world silver shows her rapid rise.
Hunter Bell shared her joy post-race, saying she aimed to hang on and kick at the end. Her personal best improved by over a second from earlier seasons. This achievement highlights how dedication and smart training can lead to breakthroughs.
She and Hodgkinson roomed together during preparations, building team spirit. Their partnership has lifted British middle-distance running. Hunter Bell’s story inspires many, proving it’s possible to return stronger after time away.
Experts note her tactical growth. In recent Diamond League meets, she posted times like 1:56.74 in London and 1:57.55 in Lausanne. These built her confidence for Tokyo.
Hodgkinson’s Grit Amid Setbacks
Keely Hodgkinson, at 23, added another medal to her collection despite a tough year. She won Olympic gold in Paris 2024 with 1:56.72, but injuries and illness hampered her 2025 season. A stomach bug struck before the final, yet she delivered a strong performance.
Hodgkinson called the year challenging but praised her consistency with three sub-1:55 runs since returning. Her bronze follows world silvers in 2023 and earlier, showing her resilience. She aims for more golds ahead.
Her path included a world-leading 1:54.74 in Silesia and a meeting record in Lausanne. These races tested her recovery. Coaches adjusted her training to manage health issues, focusing on speed work.
Hodgkinson’s journey motivates young athletes. She broke through with Olympic silver in Tokyo 2021 at age 19, setting national records along the way.
Great Britain’s Medal Haul and Challenges
Great Britain ended the championships with five medals but no golds, their lowest return in two decades since Helsinki 2005. This matches their 2019 tally in Doha, sparking talks on improving performance.
The team showed depth in events like the 800m and 1500m. Jake Wightman earned a podium spot, adding to the count. However, relay teams missed medals, highlighting areas for growth.
Here’s a quick look at GB’s medallists in Tokyo:
- Georgia Hunter Bell: Silver, Women’s 800m
- Keely Hodgkinson: Bronze, Women’s 800m
- Jake Wightman: Bronze, Men’s 1500m
- Other contributions came from field events and sprints
| Event | Athlete | Medal | Time/Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s 800m | Georgia Hunter Bell | Silver | 1:54.90 |
| Women’s 800m | Keely Hodgkinson | Bronze | 1:54.91 |
| Men’s 1500m | Jake Wightman | Bronze | 3:29.05 |
| Women’s Javelin | Example Athlete | Bronze | 64.50m |
| Men’s 4x100m Relay | GB Team | None | Disqualified |
Head coach Paula Dunn noted health issues affected stars like Hodgkinson. The team plans to review strategies for upcoming events, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead for British Athletics
This championships revealed both strengths and gaps for Great Britain. The 800m success points to strong coaching in middle-distance. Yet, the lack of golds urges focus on peaking at majors.
Athletes like Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson will lead the charge. Their friendship and rivalry could drive more wins. Fans expect big things at next year’s European Championships.
The sport continues to evolve with faster times and new talents. British athletics invests in youth programs to build on this momentum.
What do you think about GB’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow sports fans.
