Despite suffering two hamstring tears this year, which delayed her season-opener until four weeks before the World Championships, Hodgkinson has wasted no time in reasserting herself as the favourite for gold in Tokyo.
The two-time world silver medallist announced her return in emphatic fashion in Poland at the weekend, clocking the quickest time of 2025 – and the ninth-fastest in history – in 1:54.74.
That was just 0.13secs short of her lifetime best – the British record she ran at last year’s London Diamond League in the lead-up to her stunning Olympic triumph.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start, I’m a bit in shock myself,” Hodgkinson told BBC World Service Sport.
“I train really hard for moments like this but when it all comes together it makes it extra special.”
Speaking at Tuesday’s news conference, Hodgkinson teased that she “wouldn’t rule out” going even faster in Lausanne as she sought to hone her race-day sharpness.
While the conditions prevented that on Wednesday evening, Hodgkinson once again proved a class above her competition as she powered clear on the final lap to claim another commanding win.
“Trevor [Painter – her coach] said to me a few weeks ago ‘you’re actually ahead of schedule, I wanted you to be here by the time we’re in Tokyo’ – so to be here now is amazing.
“Hopefully we can stay healthy and build on top of what we’ve got, and let’s see what can happen.”
