The team behind Hodgkinson's golden rise and the hunt for a world record

The team behind Hodgkinson's impressive rise and the pursuit of a world record is the M11 Track Club, a near-30 member group based in east Manchester. Founded by coach Trevor Painter and partner Jenny Meadows, the club focuses on fostering camaraderie and support among athletes from around the world. The group's atmosphere is characterized by fun and resilience, with members pushing each other to excel despite grueling training sessions.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who has won six global medals in her professional career, credits the M11 community for her success. During a particularly challenging rain-soaked training session, Hodgkinson lay on the track, supported by fellow athletes Georgia Hunter Bell and Painter. The group's tight-knit environment has been instrumental in Hodgkinson's achievements, including breaking the British 800m record just before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Painter, a former rugby league player with a background in coaching, has been Hodgkinson's coach since she was 17. The club's growth has been fueled by Hodgkinson's success, allowing the team to secure additional support from sponsors. Hodgkinson's personal best splits in recent sessions have exceeded expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training methods.

Despite the intense physical demands, the sense of community and friendship within the M11 Track Club provides the motivation needed to reach new heights.