Greater Manchester’s very own Keely Hodgkinson has already done us well and truly proud at this year’s Olympics but is already eyeing up her next achievement: she wants the world record.
Hodgkinson from the town of Atherton picked up the gold medal in women’s 800m at Paris 2024 in fine fashion, putting to bed her series of narrow second-placed finishes and finally notching the top prize at what is just her second appearance at the Summer Games.
Cruising home to victory and looking far and away the fastest female on the track, it’s no exaggeration to label her one of the fastest women on the planet and it seems the Wiganer has no intention of resting on her laurels after the remarkable win and no intends to prove that very fact.
Barely taking time to catch her breath after the first-ever Olympic gold of her career, Keely was asked if she believes breaking the event’s long-standing record is achievable and her response was simple but emphatic: “Yes”.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, mentor and ‘second mum’ Jenny Meadows detailed how “she’s always said, quite shyly, that ‘I want to be one of the greatest ever'”, adding, “She’s sixth of all time. Trevor [Painter – husband and fellow coach] and I believe she is in the shape to be third of all time.
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“We believe she can run high 1:53 at the moment. Over the next couple of years, she can get down towards that world record if she stays healthy, motivated and still enjoys it, which I’ve got no doubts about.”
The current athletics world record of one minute and 53.28 seconds in the women’s 800m was set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 and very few come close to matching it in the 41 years since, let alone surpassing such a feat.
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Nevertheless, with the modernisation of the sport in all facets, from training, health and physio work to the gear and surfaces now used in events, there is plenty of belief that she can go on to break it – especially given she is still several years off what most would deem her ‘peak’ years.
Hodgkinson has already set a new world-leading and national record of 1:54:61 at the Diamond League London last month and hit a world indoor best (1:23:41) in the 600m at her home track here in Manchester back in January 2023. Is another one on the way?
As for the 22-year-old middle-distance marvel herself, she did confess that “It’s definitely a goal […] I’d love to give it a good go. There’s more in there.
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“When you’re at the top of your game, why not? After the 1.54, training got better and better and there were sessions that indicated there was so much more there.”
Although she has joked that she’s barely slept since the sheer buzz of winning, Hodgkinson did assure she’ll reward herself with a few days off in the sun and some relaxation time for once before targeting the world record – that sounds wise and very well deserved, if you ask us, Keely.
Meanwhile, Team GB sits fifth overall in the table at the Paris Olympics, with her gold making up a dozen earned at this tournament, along with 15 silvers and 19 bronze medals for a total of 46 so far.
With just a few days left to go, can the UK match their greatest-ever tally of 67 achieved at Rio 2016?
While this new venture is focused on youth football, it’s their second in the United States after New York City FC and could help create new pro pathways into the sport at a grassroots level.
Introducing CFG franchise number 13: Man City North Texas FC.
As per an official statement on their website, “Man City North Texas FC delivers youth soccer programs for boys and girls aged 8–19, led by Manchester City coaches and built on the same coaching methodology developed within the Club.
“Every session is designed to help players become better soccer players, technically, tactically, and mentally, through modern, enjoyable training that builds confidence on and off the pitch.”
Basically serving as another academy setup across the pond, North Texas FC will no doubt help not only develop and create opportunities for aspiring young footballers over in the US, but likely serve as yet another feeder programme/outlet for tapping up the latest American talents.
We’ve already seen fairly recently examples such as ex-players Jack Harrison and Zack Steffen coming through the likes of New York and remaining on City’s wider books and either making the move over for a taste of first-team football or being loaned out to other teams.
Even if they ultimately go on to be sold, the aim is to help nurture youngsters and promise three main takeaways: an “authentic Manchester City methodology”, delivered by actual MCFC coaches, and a clear development pathway.
CITYCOACH gives coaches around the world access to the Manchester City methodology – sharing the knowledge, practices, and philosophy that shape how we develop players at every level ⚽️
This most recent ‘youth soccer club’ is just the latest in a long line of fresh Manchester City Football Programs created over the past decade or so, with coaching now being provided to children of all ages across a total of 38 cities in 14 countries.
At present, more than 40,000 kids are estimated to participate in these schemes every year, and thanks to Man City North Texas FC, that number is set to climb even further.
So, if you or someone you know happens to be based in or near the ‘Mean Green’ sporting hub of the ‘Lone Star State’, you can register interest HERE.
Meanwhile, in news closer to home, there are plenty of other big developments happening over at the Etihad Campus. Find out more down below.
The Premier League is keeping its crucial cap on away game ticket prices – for now
Danny Jones
The Premier League has announced it is extending its crucial price cap for away games, as the general cost of match tickets continues to creep up all over the country.
Most season card holders, be they here in Greater Manchester or elsewhere, are likely looking at their annual spending going up simply, so steps like these are key in keeping first division football as affordable as possible.
And that’s just the ongoing cost of living, let alone the clubs that are continuing the trend of charging more each year and, unfortunately, even pricing some supporters out entirely.
With that in mind, the news of England’s top-flight sides voting unanimously to keep the £30 cap intact for at least another two years comes as relief to those who spend most of the year putting their hard-earned cash towards following their team home and away.
BREAKING: The Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets for another two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L336aZwmn3
Now confirmed to remain in place until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, travelling fans obviously still spend plenty of money on transport and so on every year, but at least they don’t have to worry about rising general admissions.
At least not for the time being…
Writing in a statement, the Premier League said: “Away fans help create the incredible atmosphere Premier League matches are renowned for. Since the cap’s implementation in 2016, it has contributed to attendance at away games increasing from 82% to 91%.”
They also acknowledged the significant and regular funds that supporters still spend on these trips, with plenty of people online also praising the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which helped spearhead the campaign over a decade ago.
With so many other obstacles still getting in the way of fans making it to games either at their usual stadium or on an away day – not least of all the constant and increasingly frustrating rescheduling of fixtures – it’s good to see this isn’t an area the Prem are trying to target.
As always, the multi-billion-pound business can always seek out other, newer money spinners, and we’re absolutley certain they will. For instance, there’s at least one happening over in Spain that we’d happily see carried over here.
Following the news, this now means that fans will ultimately have enjoyed 12 back-to-back seasons of the benefit, and long may it continue.
Nevertheless, the biggest barrier for people to watch the beautiful game at its highest level in the UK remains the cost of standard tickets.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and more have already let matchgoers know that their season ticket prices will be going up, and the likes of Man City have already seen backlash for increasing rates amid the expansion of the Etihad Campus.
Danny Jones -
7th August 2024 
