World Athletics chief has doubled down on Keely Hodgkinson after bringing up birthday behaviour

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has repeatedly praised British 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson for her authenticity and grounded personality, both on and off the track. Coe, 69, shared an anecdote about encountering Hodgkinson during her birthday celebrations as an example of her down-to-earth character. The Olympic champion broke the indoor 800m world record in February 2026 and is now targeting the outdoor world record.