KEELY HODGKINSON’s striking black catsuit could become the signature look for runners at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Yet the blonde ponytail will NOT be hidden away, even if it causes a slight aerodynamic drag on the track.
Keely Hodgkinson showed off a new speed suit at women’s-only Athlos Credit: Getty
It helped the runner to a dominant win in the 400m Credit: Getty
Team GB’s Olympic 800 metres champion debuted the body speed suit that she had designed with sponsors Nike as she ended her season with a commanding win at women’s-only Athlos in North London.
Hodgkinson, 24, had a hand in creating the special attire – similar to the green and white suit that Cathy Freeman famously wore when she won the 400 metres title at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
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The clothing – which she trained with on a recent South African team camp – goes over her head and is open at the back because she wanted to look “sexy”.
And it could be used at the highest level in two years’ time when she looks to defend her Olympic crown.
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Georgia Hunter Bell, Hodgkinson’s training partner and 1500 metres specialist, said: “The suit is so much fun.
“It’s a really good time to wear it. You want to wear it in a race you will win. It’s a big statement piece.
“That’s going to be the norm in a few years. What looks crazy now will be an option that you can wear for the 2028 Olympics, when we get our kit drops off Team GB.
“It’s exciting to showcase it now. Apparently it’s meant to be faster.”
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Hodgkinson trained with the outfit in a South Africa training camp Credit: Getty
Hodgkinson, 24, earned a £48,500 top prize and an Athlos crown designed by Tiffany & Co jewellers for the win.
On the suit, she said: “This has been a year in the making, with lots of adjustments and fittings. A really fun process with the Nike innovation team.
“It’s a mixture of fashion, speed and science, all coming together – maybe it’s the future of athletics.
“It’s an honour for them to choose me to put this out first. In hindsight, this is an all-women’s event – it’s all about the glitz and glamour, putting eyes on the women.
“It’s a moment. The perfect way to end the season.
“It was a test out there. It is not something we haven’t seen before. Cathy Freeman used it. Other athletes have used it.
“This is the updated, new version, with new technology. There’s science in the material. They have learned so much to make us faster. It’s crazy.
“I’m honoured they let me show it. I was a little bit nervous. It was really fun and something I will remember forever.
The Team GB star wanted the catsuit to stay ‘sexy’ Credit: Getty
She reckons it could be worn by more athletes in the future Credit: PA
“Cathy Freeman ran before I was born, but I have seen the race and photos. It’s really cool to draw inspiration from the past and make it my own.
“The style was a big thing. I wanted it to be comfortable but also to feel a little bit sexy. The back is open. It makes it cool.
“I am not hot at all in it. It’s like I am wearing nothing. I trained in this in South Africa in 37 degrees heat and it was all good.
“Maybe we will see more of this in the future.
“When it comes to me feeling faster, it’s a mixture of mental and physical. The science is there on paper. I wanted to feel really good in this.
“The only way I will feel confident is if I feel good. It does feel fast. I hope we will see more of this.”
Hodgkinson, however, has no plans to tuck the long hair into the back when she runs, saying: “The science was like, technically, with the air drag you are slower with your hair out.
“But I was like, sorry, that’s non-negotiable.
“My hair is staying out. I am very much ‘look good, feel good’.”
