"Serena Williams hails Keely Hodgkinson as 800m champion in New York"

Keely Hodgkinson triumphed in the 800m, concluding her injury-disrupted season on a strong note at New York’s all-female Athlos competition. The British Olympic champion dominated her signature event with a time of 1:56.53, marking only her sixth race this year after missing several months due to an earlier injury.

Georgia Hunter Bell of Britain, the world silver medallist, secured second place in 1:58.33, while Shafiqua Malony of St. Vincent took third with 1:58.57.

"It’s been a limited season for me, so the challenge was less about endurance and more about giving my best," said Hodgkinson, who earned bronze at last month’s World Championships in Tokyo after recovering from a hamstring issue. "The energy here was incredible—really exhilarating."

In the sprints, American Brittany Brown achieved an unexpected double victory. She surged ahead late to take the 100m in 10.99 seconds, narrowly edging out compatriot Jacious Sears by 0.02 seconds, with Kayla White finishing third in 11.22. Brown then returned an hour later to win the 200m in a personal-best 21.89, ahead of Anavia Battle (22.21) and Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith of Ivory Coast (22.65).

"The 100m surprised me more—I’ve only run it twice this year," said Brown, who had laparoscopic surgery in December. "The 200m is my specialty, so the win wasn’t as much of a shock."

Now in its second year, the women’s event infused traditional competition with a festive spirit, featuring live music and distinctive prizes in place of conventional medals. Serena Williams, the 23-time tennis major champion and wife of Athlos founder Alexis Ohanian, presented the awards, lending further prestige to the occasion.

Other notable performances included Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record-holder, winning the mile in 4:17.78, well ahead of Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. American Nikki Hiltz claimed third in 4:32.51.

In the 100m hurdles, Olympic champion Masai Russell seized the lead late to win in 12.52, rebounding from a fourth-place finish in Tokyo. Grace Stark, the world bronze medallist, took second (12.60), followed by Alaysha Johnson (12.66).

Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino, the Paris Games gold medallist, pulled away in the final stretch to win the 400m in 50.07, with Britain’s Amber Anning placing sixth. Olympic and world long jump champion Tara Davis-Woodhall also claimed victory.