The 24-year-old, who has been testing herself over the shorter sprint distance to sharpen her early speed ahead of a potential world record assault later this season, stepped away from the start line after feeling discomfort during her warm-up.
After advancing safely through Saturday’s heats, Hodgkinson completed her pre-race routine but ultimately chose not to compete, leaving the track in visible distress.
Her coach, Jenny Meadows, later told the BBC’s commentary team that the decision came at the last moment.
“she ‘felt a little twinge in her last strides before the race’,” Meadows said.
Hodgkinson later confirmed the reason for her withdrawal, explaining the cautious approach behind the decision.
“I wasn't feeling 100% standing on the start line, so I made the tough decision to step away and not race. I didn't want to risk anything this summer,” she said.
The withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a challenging 2025 season in which she battled injuries but still managed to claim World Championship bronze in September. With the London Diamond League meeting now just weeks away, attention will turn to whether she can resume her build-up toward a long-standing 800m world record attempt.
Hunter Bell Shines as Rival Takes Control of 800m Final
Even as Hodgkinson’s day ended early, her friend and rival Georgia Hunter Bell delivered one of the standout performances of the championships, retaining her 800m title in dominant fashion.
Hunter Bell led from the front and never looked under threat, stopping the clock at 1:55.93 to break a championship record that had stood since 1995.
The performance underlined her growing consistency at the top level, particularly with the European Championships approaching.
Anning Bounces Back After False Start Drama
In the 400m final Hodgkinson withdrew from, Amber Anning produced a composed response to early chaos after surviving a false start to retain her title.
The world indoor champion regrouped quickly and went on to win in 50.16 seconds, demonstrating both resilience and control in a disrupted race.
Hughes and Jefferies Impress in Men’s Sprint Events
The men’s 400m final produced one of the meet’s fastest races, with Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith underlining his dominance by winning a sixth national title in 44.45 seconds.
He was pushed strongly by Ben Jefferies, who delivered a breakthrough performance with a personal best of 44.66 to claim silver, while reigning champion Charlie Dobson settled for third.
In the sprint relays of expectations, Zharnel Hughes retained his national 200m crown in 20.04 seconds, producing a championship record despite admitting fatigue after a demanding season.
“I'm still trying to get myself sharp for it,” Hughes said of his form in the 100m.
“I'm not 100% yet, so it's taking it's time. But I trust it and I know I will get better as the season progresses.”
He added:
“I wanted 19 [seconds] today but my body's feeling it, it's tired. But 19's definitely around the corner and I know for a fact it's going to come right here when the European Championships come around.”
Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished second in 20.35 seconds.
Eduan Stuns Hunt as Wightman Claims First National Title
The women’s 200m final delivered a surprise result as Success Eduan surged down the home straight to defeat Amy Hunt in a personal best of 22.43 seconds, with Hunt taking silver in 22.64.
Hunt, who retained her 100m title earlier in the championships, continues to chase a first national 200m crown despite previous international success.
Elsewhere, Jake Wightman finally added a national title to his résumé, winning the 800m in 1:45.40 to complete a long-awaited breakthrough on the domestic stage.
As the championships build toward the European Championships in August, the performances at Alexander Stadium have set the tone for a highly competitive summer on the track.