Golden girl 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson leads Team GB Olympics homecoming bash
GOLDEN girl 800m runner Keely Hodgkinson led a glittering Team GB Olympics homecoming bash.
Her medal was one of 65 for Brits in Paris.
The stars, including double bronze relay sprinter Amber Anning, taekwondo silver medallist Caden Cunningham and sailing gold winner Ellie Aldridge, were treated to live music in Manchester.
The event was hosted by TV presenters Vernon Kay and Emma Willis.
Great Britain finished seventh in the medal table with 14 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals.
Keely’s 800m gold was the most watched event of the whole of Paris 2024.
Meanwhile, experts reckon she should be getting used to the high life — with her endorsements and other earnings certain to rocket.
Brands guru Marcel Knobil, who has worked with Coca Cola and Yamaha, said: “Her estimated earnings prior to these Olympics were around £250,000 thanks to the likes of Nike and Omega.
“Now, thanks to her exceptional talent, golden success and attractive personality and looks — Keely can look forward to earnings way beyond £2million next year alone.”
Hodgkinson grew up in the former mining community of Atherton, Greater Manchester, but has hardly looked back since she stepped on to a running track.
Her victory earned her nothing from Team GB but she will get £39,000 from World Athletics.
Although she had said she would treat herself to a gold Cartier ring and a Porsche, she had a family celebration in Marbella in mind immediately after her win.