Keely Hodgkinson's pursuit of World Indoor Championship glory in Torun, Poland, nearly came unstuck before she even stepped onto the track after her luggage vanished during her journey.
The 24-year-old Olympic champion was left without her specialist footwear and equipment ahead of Friday's opening heat, forcing her to seek help from a fellow competitor.
"There was a very nice Polish girl, and I borrowed her spikes, and they gave me a blister," Hodgkinson explained.
"And then, I just didn't have any kit. All my supplements and stuff, I didn't have any of that."
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The world record holder admitted her frustration was mounting before airline KLM managed to track down her missing bags just in time.
Despite the pre-race chaos, Hodgkinson cruised through her heat with a winning time of 2 minutes 0.32 seconds, never looking troubled as she secured her place in Saturday's semi-finals.
The British star was reunited with the same footwear that carried her to a historic 1:54.87 in France last month, the fastest 800 metres ever recorded.
The world record holder admitted her frustration was mounting before airline KLM managed to track down her missing bags just in time
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"I just don't like rounds. I don't like them at all. That was horrible, to be honest," she said of the experience.
Hodgkinson acknowledged the mental challenges of navigating qualifying rounds while conserving energy, adding: "I'm very experienced at this now, but you're exposed to anything."
Fellow Briton Issy Boffey also advanced successfully through the opening round.
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Keely Hodgkinson is eager to win gold at the World Indoor Athletics Championships
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The World Indoor title represents the sole major championship gold that continues to elude Hodgkinson's otherwise glittering collection of medals.
Having claimed Olympic glory and set a new global benchmark, the British middle-distance runner has made her intentions for Sunday's final abundantly clear.
"I want to get gold, I wouldn't be happy with anything else," she stated firmly.
Hodgkinson will approach Saturday's semi-finals with the aim of positioning herself perfectly for a title challenge, viewing each preliminary round as a necessary step towards her ultimate objective.
The 24-year-old's determination to complete her set of major honours has only intensified following her record-breaking exploits on the outdoor circuit.
Hodgkinson's absence from the past three World Indoor Championships tells a tale of persistent misfortune with injuries.
Keely Hodgkinson will return to action in the semi-finals on Saturday
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"In 2022, I got all the way here, didn't end up starting. I tore my quads," she recalled of her first setback at the competition.
A knee problem then ruled her out of the 2024 edition in Glasgow, keeping her sidelined throughout the winter season.
"Last year, I tore my hamstring just before it started. So, it's been a bit unfortunate," she added.
The British athlete is now hoping that her luggage ordeal marks the conclusion of her bad luck at this event, allowing her to finally compete for the title that has repeatedly slipped from her grasp.