Hodgkinson Claims Gold, Triathlon & Kayak Drama Marks Day 10 of Olympics
**Hodgkinson Claims Gold, Triathlon & Kayak Drama Marks Day 10 of Olympics**
Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson delivered a stunning performance in the women’s Olympic 800m final, securing a gold medal with a commanding display in Paris.
Hodgkinson's victory was part of a remarkable day for Team GB, which saw them clinch another gold when Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell, and Emma Finucane set a new world record three times en route to triumphing in the women's team sprint on the velodrome.
Earlier in the day, Joe Clarke earned a silver medal, shortly followed by Kimberley Woods capturing bronze in a frenetic kayak cross event.
In gymnastics, Simone Biles wrapped up her "redemption tour" with another medal, though her performances in the balance beam and floor finals served as a reminder of her vulnerability despite her superstar status.
Britain also secured a third triathlon medal, though they were narrowly edged from silver to bronze in a dramatic photo finish during the mixed relay race.
Arriving at the Stade de France with high expectations, Hodgkinson did not falter. The 22-year-old, heavily favored to win Britain’s first track gold since Mo Farah's double at Rio 2016, executed a composed and strategic race. She surged into the lead before the final lap and pulled away decisively in the home stretch.
Emotional as she crossed the finish line, Hodgkinson acknowledged the significance of her achievement, which had long seemed her destiny. At 19, she had won a surprise silver at the Tokyo Games, breaking Kelly Holmes’ British record. Since then, she had been a runner-up at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the World Championships, although she had secured two European titles. Her gold medal in Paris ended her streak of silver medals and matched Holmes’ 2004 Athens success.
In a thrilling conclusion to the day, the Paris crowd celebrated Armand Duplantis, who broke his own world record in the men’s pole vault final and claimed the gold medal.