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Keely Hodgkinson defends European 800m title despite illness

Keely Hodgkinson successfully defended her European 800m title with a commanding performance despite battling illness.

The 22-year-old athlete led from the outset, crossing the finish line in one minute and 58.65 seconds securing her second consecutive European gold in the 800m race.

She beat Slovakian opponent Gabriela Gajanová by 0.14s despite questioning if she was fit to run just moments before the race.

"I think I would've been disappointed if I didn't try," Hodgkinson told the BBC.

"Sometimes you've just got to find a way to win."

As the six-day championships drew to a close, the British team fought for the final gold medals on offer as the women's 4x100m relay team featuring Dina Asher-Smith, Desiree Henry, Amy Hunt and Daryll Neita also triumphed.

The efforts helped Team GB stand in third in the overall medal table with 13 medals, four of which are gold.

Following the success, Hodgkinson now sets her sights on world domination as she targets gold in Paris 2024. In her semifinal qualifier, she set a season best of three seconds quicker than any of her competitors from Wednesday's final.

"it's a huge opportunity to change your life and I'm just ready to go for it." she told the BBC.

Round 1 of the women's 800m competition in Paris kicks off on August 2.