Despite being still in the infancy of her career, only American Athing Mu and Kenya’s Mary Moraa denied Hodgkinson total global dominance within her first two years as a professional athlete.
After crossing the line an agonising 0.08 seconds behind Mu at last year’s delayed World Championships in Oregon, Hodgkinson will aim to upgrade her medal in Budapest, having clocked the fastest time in the world this year.
It is an achievement which would signify much more than a first global title.
“It would mean a lot,” says Hodgkinson. “I would probably cry, actually, after two years of dedication and so much hard work.
“There are some really good athletes out there who are really hard to beat, so it would just be nice to finally come out on top and upgrade the silver.”
It is the competition with Mu, 21, which has attracted particular attention, not least because it is a rivalry which could define the event for years to come.
However, there remains uncertainty over whether Mu, who has competed just twice in 2023 and only once over 800m since winning world gold, will compete in Budapest.
“It does excite me. I don’t know if it excites her,” Hodgkinson says with a laugh.
“I like competition – that’s what I relish the most. If you lose you lose, but at least put yourself out there to try.
“I’m still really proud of what I did last year. I don’t think I put a foot wrong in that race and my coaches don’t either. Knowing that, I can accept it.
“Now it’s about how I make up that 0.08 seconds. I’m in better shape but you never know what everyone else will bring and anything can happen at a championships.”
Hodgkinson has not relented in 2023, resuming her bid for medals with a series of emphatic victories.
The Leigh athlete, coached by Trevor Painter and world 800m medallist Jenny Meadows, went undefeated in 10 races over the first half of the year.
That streak included the successful defence of her European title and breaking the 600m world record during a dominant indoor campaign.
