The Real Science of Sport Podcast Tokyo Day 9: Women's 800m Upset / Cole Hocker's Redemption Arc / Botswana Crash the USA Relay Parade
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Sep 21, 2025 The final day of Tokyo 2025 brought unexpected twists and triumphs. Lilian Odira stunned everyone by outpacing favorite Keely Hodgkinson to win the women's 800m, marking a historic first for Kenyan women. Cole Hocker redeemed himself in the men’s 5000m with a thrilling late surge. Relays were just as dramatic, showcasing U.S. dominance and a surprising twist from Botswana in the men's 4x400m. The hosts reflect on a week filled with surprises and unforgettable performances that shaped the championships.
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Dominance Can Be Overstated
- Keely Hodgkinson was widely tipped but the race outcome exposed overconfidence in predictions.
- Injury history and disrupted race plan reduced her advantage and opened the event to surprises.
Aggressive Pacing Reshaped The 800m
- Mary Mora's early aggression disrupted Hodgkinson and pushed the pace into a costly 'death spiral.'
- Lilian Odira hid midpack and used an exceptional final 100m to win in a historic fast race.
Championships Elevate Performance
- Tokyo produced the first championship race with three women under 1:55.
- The result shows championship races can elevate overall standards, not just favor known favourites.