Greater Manchester’s own Keely Hodgkinson has voiced her frustration with social media trolls, describing their comments on her holiday snaps as “irritating”. The Olympic medallist also robustly defended her distinctive new Nike speedsuit, which she revealed she is currently unable to wear for Team GB events.

Hodgkinson Calls Out Social Media Trolls

Speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, the 24-year-old middle-distance runner addressed the backlash she received after sharing “glam holiday snaps” online. Hodgkinson stated that she uses social media “purely just for fun” and does “not think too deeply about it”, countering the perception that athletes should be “working all day”.

“I can’t run around all day,” Hodgkinson explained, “I get a lot of comments about that. It’s really irritating me because I’m like, if only you knew what I’d done today? That’s the perception of an athlete – to work all day. And that’s just not sustainable.” She further clarified that athletes often have “a lot of time to kill away from the track” when in training camps, adding that she started a YouTube channel a year ago to offer insight into the realities of a professional track-and-field athlete’s life, including both the “misery” of sessions and the “fun side” of travel. According to the Daily Star, she acknowledges a “love-hate relationship” with social media, common for many.

Defence of the “Sexy” Speedsuit

Hodgkinson also defended her all-black Nike Speedsuit, which she unveiled at the all-female Athlos meet in London last month, storming to victory in the 800 metres. The “Catwoman-esque” outfit sparked considerable discussion within the sporting world, with some questioning its adherence to regulations. AOL.com reported that Hodgkinson described the outfit as making her feel “sexy” and “as if she were wearing nothing”, stating, “I wanted to be comfortable but I wanted to feel a little bit sexy. The back’s open and that makes it feel really cool.”

Her coaches, Ron and Jenny Meadows, have also lent their full support to the choice, noting Hodgkinson’s innovative spirit and love for fashion. They confirmed that Nike was respectful of their input regarding performance, ensuring it was not merely a “gimmick” but a “statement piece”. Hodgkinson also secured one “non-negotiable” concession: keeping her hair out, despite scientific advice suggesting air drag would make her slower, prioritising “Look good, feel good.” Readers may recall Hodgkinson’s strong performance at the Athlos London debut from our earlier coverage, Keely Hodgkinson Leads British Talent at Athlos London Debut.

Team GB Kit Regulations and Future Prospects

Despite Hodgkinson’s enthusiasm and her team’s backing, the Nike speedsuit cannot currently be worn when representing Team GB at major international events like the World Championships or the Olympics. This is because Team GB has a standing deal with Nike’s rival, Adidas, which extends until the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. While athletes can wear different brands for shoes and spikes, this flexibility does not extend to general attire.

Both Team GB and UK Athletics have commented on the situation. A Team GB spokesperson highlighted their commitment to “athlete-centred and innovative kit” for future Games, including Los Angeles 2028. A UK Athletics spokesperson added that the suit was a “bespoke Nike design created specifically for her” and confirmed ongoing dialogue with Nike regarding performance apparel and innovations for athletes.