Georgia Hunter Bell is aiming for an ambitious sweep of gold medals in 2026 following her victory in the 800 meters at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 32-year-old athlete secured her first outdoor title in the event, adding to the 1500 meters world indoor championship she won earlier this year in Poland.
Hunter Bell, a training partner of Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, is also scheduled to compete in the upcoming European Championships and the inaugural Ultimate Championships in September. "There are four opportunities to win gold this year," Hunter Bell told BBC Sport. "I am two golds down and two more to go."
Having returned to the sport during the Covid-19 pandemic after a five-year break, Hunter Bell has achieved significant milestones later in her career. She earned 1500 meters bronze at the Paris Olympics and silver in the 800 meters at last year's World Championships, narrowly behind Hodgkinson. Her Commonwealth gold marks a new career high in an outdoor event where Hodgkinson holds the Olympic title.
"Every medal is a landmark moment but my first outdoor gold is huge," Hunter Bell stated. She was considered a favorite for the Commonwealth title, alongside Kenya's world champion Lilian Odira, after Hodgkinson opted not to participate. The final saw Hunter Bell set the pace and make a decisive move with 200 meters remaining, winning by over a second.
Hodgkinson is focusing on the European Championships in Birmingham, which begin on August 10, after taking time off. Hunter Bell will compete in the 1500 meters at that event, precluding a direct matchup with Hodgkinson. Hunter Bell acknowledged that her win validates her decision to compete in Glasgow and defended the choices of other athletes who withdrew from the Games.