ATHERTON’S Keely Hodgkinson threw down the gauntlet to her rivals and is ready to fight for global gold following her 800m win at the British Championships in Manchester on Sunday.
The 21-year-old is set for Budapest as she prepares to face Athing Mu and Mary Moraa.
The USA's Mu has beaten Hodgkinson to 800m gold at the Olympics and last year's World Championships in Eugene, with Hodgkinson twice forced to settle for silver.
Kenya's Moraa beat Hodgkinson at the Lausanne Diamond League meet last month and came third in the States last year.
But Hodgkinson is enjoying the battle and having a target on her back after her stunning rise since becoming the youngest ever women's 800m European indoor champion in 2021.
She said: "I do like it; I like the idea of give it all you've got - try to beat me today. Some days I'll lose but hopefully most of the time I'll win.
"They say getting to the top and maintaining it is the hardest part, I found that. There's a bit more of a target on your back but I enjoy it, I don't mind it.
"I'm looking forward to it, we'll race each other and see who comes out on top. I think this year will maybe be closer than previous years between all three of us.
"It's hard because I don't race them very often.
"Every year is different, indoors I was beating Mary quite easily, now it's really hard.
"I don't know what can happen. Going into Budapest I'll run my race and no-one else's."
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