Keely Hodgkinson’s Man Utd dream set to come true thanks to 800m Olympic gold

Great Britain’s athletics star, Keely Hodgkinson, is a shoo-in to realise her Manchester United dream at Old Trafford after being crowned Olympic champion in Paris

Olympic gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson has her eyes on a Man Utd prize after returning from Paris (Image: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Manchester United die-hard Keely Hodgkinson is a dead cert to receive one particular honour from the club following her Olympic gold in Paris.

The Atherton-born star became the first British athlete to pick up athletics gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics after surging to success in the women’s 800 metres on Monday. And she already knows full well what would make her happiest upon returning to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils fan has spoken about her love of United in the past and is close friends with club veteran Ella Toone. And Hodgkinson, 24, revealed the reward that would fulfil her most ahead of the new Premier League season.

“They know I’m a fan and wanted to reach out to do something special,” she said prior to departing for Paris. “They gave me a signed shirt from all the players and wished me the best of luck. If I get gold they might have me back. That might just be enough to be invited on to the pitch, yeah.”

Hodgkinson led her gold medal final from start to finish and overcame her silver heartbreak from Tokyo 2020 in sensational fashion. Kenya’s Mary Moraa (who took bronze) and Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia (silver) each made late attempts to overtake the Briton after the last bend but were beaten to the punch.

She crossed the line in a time of 1:56.72, some way off matching the personal-best 1:54:61 she clocked in London leading up to the Games.

She received a signed shirt at Old Trafford in the run up to the Games

Keely is a huge United fan
However, it made no difference to the mighty Mancunian as she cut an emotional figure realising the greatest moment of her career to date.

“Being Olympic champion, no one can take that away from you,” said the newly crowned 800m champion after picking up the top prize in Paris. “It’s the biggest stage ever. I don’t know what it will bring but I’m better prepared than I was after Tokyo. I’m a couple of years older, a bit blonder and all that.”

A procession at Old Trafford is one thing that’s likely to follow as Erik ten Hag’s men prepare to get the new campaign up and running. They face a daunting Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday following an up-and-down pre-season.

United host Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16 in what will be their true start to the season. And Hodgkinson may just be in attendance on centre stage with a prime piece of silverware to show for her Herculean efforts in France.