Muir and Hodgkinson Lead Team GB’s Olympic Charge
Team GB’s Laura Muir approaches the Paris Olympics with determination and confidence, aiming to improve on her Tokyo Olympic silver in the 1500m. At 31, Muir made history three years ago as the first Scot in 33 years to win an individual track and field medal.
Her journey in Paris begins on Tuesday with the 1500m qualification rounds at the Stade de France, starting at 09:05 BST. Reflecting on her previous achievements, Muir shared, “Essentially, I can come away from the Games knowing I am still an Olympic silver medallist, which is quite nice. I want to win another one, and I am running faster, but the event has moved on again, which is incredible. We have had so many world records since Tokyo.”
Muir recently broke her own British 1500m record at the Paris Diamond League event with a time of three minutes 53.79 seconds, surpassing the mark that earned her silver in Tokyo. This accomplishment has increased expectations and pressure, but Muir now embraces it more comfortably than before.
“People expect you to do well again, which is actually a really privileged position to be in because you have been there and done it,” Muir explained. “I see it more as support. A few years ago, I struggled a little bit with the pressure, but then I learned to accept that the reason it is there is because people want you to do well. Ultimately, the only pressure I work with is the pressure I put on myself.”
Keely Hodgkinson, 22, reflecting on her triumph in Paris, expressed the culmination of years of rigorous training. “I have really grown over the last couple of years, and this year was the year where you could really tell that I had tried to make that step up,” Hodgkinson said. “The future is bright. I’m super happy to bring it home for everyone. It’s not just me; it’s a whole team effort, and they know who they are. This is our gold medal.”
As Muir and Hodgkinson prepare to compete, their stories of resilience and achievement inspire not only their teammates but also aspiring athletes worldwide. Their dedication and success highlight the strength of Team GB and the promising future of British athletics.
