Claudia Hollingsworth has etched her name into Australian athletics history by breaking the national 800-metre record during the Diamond League meet in Silesia, Poland. The 20-year-old Victorian athlete, who shifted her focus from AFLW to pursue a professional running career three years ago, clocked an impressive time of 1:57.67 seconds, securing a fifth-place finish in the race. This achievement not only highlighted her talent but also surpassed the previous record of 1:57.78, set by Canberra’s Catriona Bisset earlier this year.
In an exceptional display of talent, fellow Victorian Abbey Caldwell also recorded a remarkable time of 1:57.70, finishing just behind Hollingsworth in sixth place. Bisset, a two-time Olympian, placed tenth with a time of 2:00.64.
The race was won by Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, who established a new meet record and the fastest global time of the year at 1:54.74. Hodgkinson’s dominant performance ahead of the world athletics championships in Tokyo later this month sets the stage for a thrilling competition.
Post-race, Hollingsworth expressed her determination to adapt her racing style, aiming to be more aggressive and dynamic. Inspired by a recent reflection on her approach, she stated, “I don’t want to be predictable. I want to try different strategies during races.” This mindset shift signifies her ambition as she prepares to face tougher competition moving forward.
Seeing her record time displayed on the big screen was a thrilling moment for Hollingsworth, who described the experience as “pretty sick.” She celebrated the achievement alongside Caldwell and Bisset, expressing pride in their collective presence in such a prestigious event.
Hollingsworth’s journey from aspiring footballer to record-breaking runner is a testament to her dedication and potential in the sport. With the world championships on the horizon, her performance in Silesia is a powerful indicator of the exciting future that lies ahead.