Despite suffering two tears in the hamstrings this year, which delayed its seasonal opening up to four weeks before the World Championship, Hodgkinson has not wasted time in Rassert as Gold’s favorite in Tokyo.
The world’s world silver medalist announced his return emphatically in Poland on the weekend, marking the fastest time of 2025, and the fastest ninth in history, in 1: 54.74.
That was only 0.13 seconds of his best life: the British record he made in the London Diamond League last year to the head, until his impressive Olympic victory.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start, I’m a bit in Myelf Shock,” Hodgkinson told BBC World Service Sport.
“I train very hard for moments like this, but when everything meets, it makes it very special.”
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Hodgkinson mocked that “he would not rule out” to also go faster in Lausana while looking to improve his sharpness on race day.
While the conditions prevented that on Wednesday night, Hodgkinson once again demonstrated a class above its competition, since it was clear in the last round to claim another dominant victory.
“Trevor [Painter – her coach] He told me a few weeks ago that you are real earlier than expected, I wanted you to be here for when we were in Tokyo ‘, so being here is incredible.
“Hopefully we can stay healthy and build on what we have, and let’s see what can happen.”