ATHERTON'S Keely Hodgkinson produced a phenomenal performance to win the Olympic 800m silver medal.

The Leigh Harrier ran a PB time and broke Kelly Holmes' British record to take second place in Tokyo.

The 19-year-old was the highest placed of the three British women with a time of 1.55.88.

The event was won by 19-year-old American Athing Mu.

Understandably elated at trackside after the event the first year Leeds University student said: "I think it is just one of those things where you know something like that is possible but whether it comes out you just don't know, it was such a good race.

"Every single person, it was so open. I wanted to put it all out there and I did that, it is going to take a couple of days to sink in.

"It may take a couple of days to sink in but I am so happy.

She took half a second off Dame Kelly Holmes' record in making the podium - the enormity of which she was still digesting.

"I am pretty speechless right now, Dame Kelly Holmes is a legend and will be a legend of British athletics for a long time.

"I have looked up to her for a long time and have even spoken with her this week - and she is a lovely person.

"I want to thank my amazing team and my family, who have made so many sacrifices for me.

"Trevor and Jenny have put so much belief in me and I did it.

"It means so much - and thanks to everyone who has sent messages this past couple of days and have supported me from home, especially the last 18 months - it has been crazy and I can't believe it.

"If the Olympcs were last year then I would not have been here - it has definitely given me a year to grow and compete with these girls.

"I am not the only one who is 19 - Athing is also 19 as well. 

"Teenagers taking on the podium is increduble and hopefully we have got many battles ahead of us," she said

It is Great Britain's first athletics medal of the Tokyo games.