Superhero-suited Keely Hodgkinson powers to 800m title at women-only track and field meet

Keely Hodgkinson ended a rocky season in fine fashion on Friday, shrugging off hamstring concerns to win the 800 meters at the all-women's Athlos London track and field meet while dressed in a ‌black, hooded speedsuit that made her look more superhero than middle-distance runner.

Britain's Olympic champion pulled away from the field over the final 200 metres to clock one minute 56.40 seconds and win by more than two seconds at sold-out StoneX Stadium, marking the first Athlos event outside the United States after two New York meetings.

"I would ​have loved to have had [an event like this] when I was ​younger," Hodgkinson said. "This is fun … life is supposed to be about enjoying it."

After finishing second to Switzerland's Audrey Werro at last week's World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hodgkinson revealed she had suffered a ​hamstring tear at the European Championships in Birmingham a few weeks earlier.

She said an MRI last ⁠season showed she had a rare ⁠split hamstring tendon, which allows her to keep competing through ‌injury but may also increase her risk of recurring problems.

The 24-year-old showed no sign of injury Friday, instead embracing the event's playful spirit in her suit reminiscent of Cathy Freeman at the 2000 Olympics, and dark glasses.

Athletics worlds to be staged in Africa for first time with Nairobi as host

"I know, it's pretty sick," she said. "It's a project I've been working on with Nike for a long ⁠time. I thought what a place to bring it out, an all-women's event. It went down a treat."

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian created Athlos to give women's athletics a fresh spotlight, pairing attractive prize money and athlete ownership opportunities with a more entertainment-focused approach.

That vision ‌was on full display in London, where athletes made individual walkouts, the long jump unfolded on a raised stage beside the track, and winners received custom Tiffany & Co. crowns.

American Sha'Carri Richardson, victorious in the 100 in 10.80 seconds, said Athlos's arrival in London showed the event was beginning to make its mark globally. "It is going to ​continue to grow and the world is watching," Richardson said.

The 100 was one of just seven disciplines in the streamlined event that had no qualifying rounds, and six ⁠athletes competing in each of the straight finals.

Winners pocketed $65,000 US with prize money extending down to sixth place ($6,000), and a $250,000 bonus for ⁠anyone breaking a world record.

"I just graduated college and I'm broke, so this is amazing," American Alyssa Jones said after ⁠winning the ⁠long jump with a 6.66-metre performance.