Hunter Bell eyes ambitious sweep after 800m gold in Glasgow

Georgia Hunter Bell is setting her sights on an ambitious collection of gold medals in 2026 following her dominant victory in the 800m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The English athlete added the Commonwealth gold to the 1500m world indoor title she secured earlier this year in Poland.

The 32-year-old, who trains alongside 800m Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, has a packed schedule ahead. She is set to compete at next month's European Championships and the inaugural Ultimate Championships in September. "There are four opportunities to win gold this year," Hunter Bell told BBC Sport, expressing her determination to capitalize on her current form. "I am two golds down and two more to go."

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There are four opportunities to win gold this year. I am two golds down and two more to go.

Hunter Bell's career is blossoming later than typical, with a significant break from the sport. She took a five-year hiatus before returning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her comeback has been marked by success, including a 1500m bronze at the Paris Olympics and a silver medal in the 800m at last year's World Championships, where she narrowly missed out to Hodgkinson. This latest outdoor title, however, marks a significant personal milestone, especially in an event where Hodgkinson holds Olympic gold.

The final in Glasgow was largely a one-sided affair, with Hunter Bell dictating the pace before launching a decisive kick in the final 200 meters to win by over a second. She was considered a favorite alongside Kenya's world champion Lilian Odira, especially after Hodgkinson opted out of the competition. Hodgkinson is currently taking time off to prepare for the European Championships in Birmingham, which begin on August 10. Hunter Bell will only participate in the 1500m at that event, foregoing a potential head-to-head race with her training partner. Despite the absence of key rivals, Hunter Bell stated that her win validates her decision to compete in Glasgow and defended the choices of other athletes who withdrew.

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Every medal is a landmark moment but my first outdoor gold is huge.