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Keely Hodgkinson’s triumph at SPOTY represents the highlight of an exceptional year.
Financial experts anticipate that she is set to receive a considerable financial increase, potentially boosting her yearly earnings to the £1 MILLION mark.
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As she approached the Paris Olympics, expectations soared with her being the frontrunner for the gold in the 800m event.
Despite her youth at just 22, Hodgkinson excelled under pressure, achieving an impressive performance in just 116 seconds over two laps at the Stade de France.
Now, she can utilize her growing fame from the BBC‘s SPOTY award to secure a prosperous financial future ahead.
Dr. Dan Plumley, a sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, shared with casino.co.uk: “Securing the SPOTY accolade will certainly enhance her public visibility and reputation.
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“She’s rapidly becoming one of the most recognized names in UK Athletics.
“Her achievements can facilitate opportunities for collaborations and endorsements through strong relationships with brands and marketing firms.
“Supplemental income from off-track activities is vital for athletes’ financial health.
“It’s common for athletes to pursue sponsorships and commercial avenues to increase their earnings.
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“Her performance and success on the field will shape her future endeavors,” he added.
“There’s no doubt that sponsorships will continue to come her way.”
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson enjoys the atmosphere with Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford
Last summer, Hodgkinson captivated the nation.
Anticipations were high that she, the world’s foremost 800-meter runner, would secure victory on August 5, and she did not let her fans down.
Her bright smile and engaging personality are what earned this young athlete from the Greater Manchester town of Atherton, who currently lives in Salford, the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that a female athlete has received this esteemed award, following tennis star Emma Raducanu and footballers Beth Mead and Mary Earps, setting a new record.
It is the 19th time in 60 years that an athlete from track and field has earned the main SPOTY award, surpassing all other sports.
Prominent past winners include Steve Ovett, Seb Coe, Daley Thompson, Kelly Holmes, and Mo Farah.
This highlights that even though some high-profile figures may avoid the media, and the sport continues to face financial difficulties, public interest in top-level athletics remains robust.
Today, Hodgkinson is well-acquainted with victory in her races, although this wasn’t always the case.
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Before this past summer, the middle-distance star had settled for silver medals at THREE major competitions – the 2021 Olympics, and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
Suffering setbacks by the narrowest of margins in each of these events deeply affected her.
Concerns over her being perpetually destined for second place were silenced as she entered the Games equipped with a personal best of 1:54.61 set in London in July – the sixth-best time in history.
Her flawless performance on the track in 2024 was a noteworthy achievement – “the first time in a year that I’ve genuinely succeeded in everything” – a feat that athletes seldom accomplish more than once or twice in their careers.
Yet, not long ago, she faced a NINE-WEEK injury hiatus over the Christmas and New Year period due to a serious knee injury.
This injury resulted from an uncommon incident that led to a torn ligament, tendon, and some hamstring issues near the knee.
Although she was eager to get back into training quickly, it was her trust in her coach Trevor Painter that helped her rest, heal, and effectively return to competitive events.
