Olympic Gold Medallist Keely Hodgkinson Faces Backlash for Labeling Americans ‘Agitating and Grating’

Olympic Gold Medallist Keely Hodgkinson Sparks Backlash After Calling Americans ‘Agitating and Grating’
By Dolly Busby, Showbiz Correspondent | Updated: 17:54 BST, 24 September 2025

[Image: Keely Hodgkinson rolling her eyes in her TikTok video. Caption: Keely’s viral TikTok criticizing American accents sparked mixed reactions.]

British athletics star Keely Hodgkinson, 23, faces criticism after a TikTok video mocking American accents as “agitating and grating” went viral. The Olympic gold medallist, who recently won bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, posted the clip three days after her podium finish, dividing fans and drawing responses from fellow athletes.

In the video, Keely sips a drink while a voiceover says, “I hear this agitating, grating voice.” She captioned it: “When there are Americans in the restaurant… They’re really the loudest in the room.”

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Athletes
American fans quickly responded, with one commenting, “God forbid we have fun,” while another urged, “Be nice to your American fans.” Keely replied, “Love y’all,” softening her stance. However, U.S. Olympian Masai Russell (100m hurdles) quipped, “Hey, not too much!” prompting Keely’s playful response: “Y’all are the most fun.”

[Image: Comment section showing Masai Russell’s reply. Caption: American hurdler Masai Russell joined the debate.]

Some supporters agreed with Keely, with one user writing, “Preach, it is so annoying—they are the worst.” Others criticized the jab, given her large U.S. fanbase.

Bronze Medal Amid Challenges
The controversy follows a tough season for Hodgkinson, who secured bronze in Tokyo despite battling illness and a 376-day hiatus due to a hamstring injury. Her training partner, Georgia Hunter-Bell, claimed silver, while Kenya’s Lilian Odira took gold.

[Image: Keely on the podium with Hunter-Bell and Odira. Caption: Keely (left) with teammate Georgia Hunter-Bell (center) and Kenya’s Lilian Odira.]

Reflecting on her performance, Keely admitted, *“It’s been an absolute s**show. I’ve managed to stay on track despite setbacks. People will remember my wins, not losses.”

A Rising Star Under Scrutiny
Since her 2024 Paris Olympics triumph, Hodgkinson has become a British athletics icon, earning an MBE and securing deals with Nike, Omega, and Rimmel London (net worth: £4 million). However, her latest remarks risk alienating fans ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

[Image: Keely holding her MBE in May 2025. Caption: The athlete received an MBE after her Paris 2024 success.]

Keely has yet to comment further on the backlash. As the debate continues, her focus remains on recovery and future competitions.

The Daily Mail has contacted Keely Hodgkinson for comment.

[Image: Keely training on a track. Caption: Hodgkinson aims to bounce back after an injury-disrupted season.]

Final Word
While her TikTok humor resonated with some, the incident highlights the fine line public figures walk between relatability and controversy. Fans await her next move—on and off the track.

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