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Leeds Beckett University student breaks 800 metre world record
Keely, who is the current under 18 European Champion, broke the record by two seconds in a blistering 1:59:03, beating the previous record of 2:01:03, held by Ethiopian Meskerem Legesse.
In an interview with Athletics Weekly, after her triumph, Keely said “It was all about not panicking when they all went off so fast but to be honest it could not have gone better so I’m really happy,
“It’s my first race of the season. I did this meet last year so I seem to run quite well here. I’m not sure what’s next but you take what you can in these uncertain times. I’m just really happy to be racing,”
Keely is in her first year studying Criminology, in the School of Social Sciences, at the university and is supported by the Leeds Beckett England Athletics Talent Hub, a high-performance pathway for aspiring Olympians and Paralympians, in collaboration between British Athletics, England Athletics, Leeds Beckett University, London Marathon Events and the Talented Athlete and Scholarship Scheme.
The Talent Hub is led by international athletics coaches Dr Andi Drake, Andrew Henderson and Helen Clitheroe. The coaches, and their support staff, have been able to train high performance athletes during the lockdown in line with Government guidance.
Talent Hub Performance Coach Helen Clitheroe works with Keely and her coach Trevor Painter, from Leigh Harriers, to coordinate her day to day training at Leeds Beckett University.
Talent Hub Manager Andi Drake said “The Talent Hub team is thrilled to see Keely set a world junior record, improving her lifetime best by more than two seconds in breaking the two-minute barrier for the first time,
“The women’s 800 metre in the UK is super strong at present, and Keely moves up to fourth on the UK all-time senior rankings, bumping Dame Kelly Holmes DBE down to fifth.
“Keely’s performance is an example of how we work with athletes and coaches to provide a professional coaching dual-career environment.”