After achieving European Championship success and silver medal wins at the Tokyo Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, 2024 was the year when Keely Hodgkinson’s dreams came true.

With long held dreams of being an Olympic champion, the 22-year-old Atherton ace became just the third British woman to win the Olympic 800m at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Following her incredible race, which was the most watched event across the BBC’s coverage, Keely has now been named the Sportswoman of the Year at the the Sports Journalists Association’s British Sports Awards.

READ > Plans for town’s first train station in 60 years officially submitted

🥇🇬🇧🏆 She turned great expectations into stellar success – our #SJA2024 Sportswoman of the Year is Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson

Not only did she run the fastest time this year, but she’s now ranked 6th of ALL TIME over the distance

Congrats Keely! 👏 @BritAthletics pic.twitter.com/kDsj7UUSaC

— Sports Journalists (@SportSJA) November 20, 2024

Taking place on Wednesday, November 20, the prestigious awards ceremony recognised many of the Paris Olympians.

This included men’s triatholon champion Alex Yee, the Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock, the now-retired diver Tom Daley, and the British rowing team.

Darts star Luke Littler, England footballer Ollie Watkins, Paralympian Alice Tai, and Wigan Warriors coach Matty Peet were also recognised at the ceremony.

Speaking to Sky Sports News about her win, Keely said: ““It’s really nice to get that recognition from people who enjoyed watching Paris hopefully as much as I enjoyed competing.

“It’s an honour to receive the award. It’s been a [year] full of highs and lows, but the highs have been incredible and I just want to keep pushing the boundaries of the women’s 800m, seeing how fast we can go and seeing how may more medals we can pick up.”

“So lots of fun to come.”

Keely Hodgkinson has also added her name to a list of Olympic and Paralympic champions who have signed a letter to the Prime Minister demanding he act to “put children first”.

The document, delivered to Number 10 by four-time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah on Wednesday morning, urges the Government to “bring forward a new national plan to guarantee every child daily opportunities to be physically active.”