The Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and her world‑silver medallist 800m partner endured a brutal training session in an east Manchester downpour, with coach Trevor Painter shielding her with an umbrella before teammates pulled her to cover.

M11 Track Club, named after the local postcode, is a nearly 30‑strong international group that prioritises fun until the stopwatch starts. Guided by Painter and world medallist Jenny Meadows, the club creates history with a supportive environment that draws athletes from around the globe.

Hodgkinson, who recently set a British 800m record in Stockholm, is now targeting an 800m world record at the European Championships in Birmingham. A 400m‑interval block in early June marks the start of her event‑specific training, and her recent personal bests give hope that she can beat the record set 43 years ago.

M11’s foundation was laid before Hodgkinson’s rise. Painter’s rugby‑league background and 47‑second 400m time, combined with Meadows’ coaching of world‑class athletes, enabled the club to secure sponsors for physiotherapy, nutrition and conditioning support, keeping the squad healthy and focused on collective success.