Krop sharp in Liévin as Hodgkinson delivers record-breaking statement

The 2022 World 5,000m silver medallist clocked 7:33.68, finishing just behind Ethiopia’s 2019 African 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Addisu Yihune, who surged to victory in 7:33.58 in a race decided by fine margins.

Krop’s performance was not just about the time, but the intent. Lining up against a quality field, the Kenyan showed tactical patience before winding up in the closing laps, reaffirming his readiness as the indoor season gathers pace.

This was his third outing over 3,000m in Liévin — a venue that is steadily becoming part of his growth story. He placed sixth in 2022, improved to third in 2023 behind global stars Lamecha Girma and Mohamed Katir, and now steps up to second, a clear sign of progression at the highest level.

His recent form further strengthens his case. Earlier this month, Krop finished second at the Karlsruhe Meeting in Germany, clocking 7:38.64 behind Dutchman Stefan Nillessen, showing consistency against elite opposition as he builds towards championship season.

Kenya’s Edwin Kurgat crossed seventh in 7:38.54, continuing a difficult start to his indoor campaign. The former NCAA champion is still searching for rhythm, having also placed 10th over two miles at the Millrose Games.

Meanwhile, World Under-20 cross country champion Frankline Kibet finished 10th in 7:43.01. Kibet, fresh from his global triumph where he clocked 23:18 to edge compatriot Emmanuel Kiprono (23:20) with Andrew Alamisi (23:28) taking bronze, is still adjusting to the demands of indoor racing.

With the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026 just weeks away, the battle for places in Team Kenya is intensifying. Athletics Kenya selectors are expected to name a limited squad, placing added pressure on athletes to hit qualifying marks and prove form. Hodgkinson breaks world record in historic 800m run

The night, however, belonged to Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who lit up Liévin with a sensational 1:54.87 to shatter the women’s indoor 800m world record.

Her performance erased the long-standing 1:55.82 set by Jolanda Čeplak in 2002 — a mark that had stood for over two decades. Hodgkinson had shown intent earlier in the season with a world-leading 1:56.33, but in Liévin she went a level higher, dominating from the front and closing with authority to deliver one of the greatest indoor runs in history.

“That was really fun. I’ve been looking forward to this for a few weeks now,” she said after the race. Behind her, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro clocked 1:58.38 for second, while Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma ran 1:58.83 to complete a high-quality podium.

For Kenya, the performance inevitably draws focus to world champion Lilian Odira, whose rivalry with Hodgkinson is fast becoming a defining storyline in women’s middle distance running.

The last time they clashed on the global stage, Odira stormed to world gold in a stunning 1:54.62, producing a devastating finish to announce herself at the very top. Hodgkinson, despite her consistency and Olympic pedigree, had to settle for bronze behind fellow Briton Georgia Hunter-Bell, who took silver in 1:54.90.

Hodgkinson’s latest statement a sub-1:55 indoors not only resets the record books but signals intent ahead of a loaded outdoor season, with the Diamond League and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship looming.