UK Indoors: Hodgkinson stuns Birmingham with ‘special’ record run

Keely Hodgkinson has produced a sensational performance to set a new national record of 1:56.33 in the women’s 800m heats at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships.

The Olympic silver medallist tore apart the field in Birmingham to lay down a frightening marker for the season ahead.

Observers at the track were left stunned as the clock stopped on a historic time during what was expected to be a routine qualifier.

History made in the heats

The Atherton-born star looked comfortable from the outset, moving through the gears with her trademark smooth stride.

To break a national record in the preliminary rounds is almost unheard of at this level of elite competition.

It serves as a stark warning to her global rivals ahead of the upcoming major international championships.

‘Special’ talent shines

Commentators and fans alike were quick to label the run as "special" immediately following the race.

The sheer dominance displayed suggests the British middle-distance runner is currently in the form of her life.

Expectations will now be sky-high for the final as the crowd anticipates just how much faster she can go.