Tokyo: Dramatic finish in women’s 800m final
Great Britain ended the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo with a silver and bronze in the women’s 800m, though the team finished without a gold medal for the first time since 2003.
Odira takes shock gold
Kenya’s Lilian Odira produced a stunning late surge to win gold in a personal best of 1:54.62, dedicating her victory to her two young sons. Ranked only 17th in the world before the race, the 26-year-old stunned a field that included Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.
British battle for podium
Hodgkinson, returning after an injury-ridden year and struggling with a stomach bug, looked set for gold as she entered the home straight. But she was passed first by Odira and then edged by her compatriot Georgia Hunter Bell in a dramatic dip finish.
Hunter Bell claimed silver in 1:54.90, a lifetime best, while Hodgkinson took bronze in 1:54.91, her third-fastest career time. Despite the medal, Hodgkinson admitted she felt underprepared after racing only twice this year.
GB’s mixed campaign
The 800m podium double provided some consolation for Britain, but overall the championships were disappointing. With no golds and only a handful of medals, GB recorded their worst finish in more than two decades.
Conclusion
While Odira’s triumph was the story of the final day, the close fight between Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson ensured Britain still left Tokyo with pride. Yet the lack of top finishes underlined the challenges ahead for the national squad.