Swiss athlete breaks championship record as Keely Hodgkinson settles for silver
Category: Sports
Swiss athlete Audrey Werro claimed her first senior international title by winning the women's 800m at the European Championships in Birmingham, England, on August 14, 2026. Werro, 22, finished in a championship-record time of 1:54.81, surpassing the previous record of 1:55.41 set by Olga Mineyeva in 1982. The event, held at Alexander Stadium, drew a sold-out crowd of 23,000 spectators eager to witness the thrilling matchup between Werro and home favorite Keely Hodgkinson.
The race marked a highly anticipated showdown, with Hodgkinson, the defending European champion and Olympic gold medalist, seeking to secure her third consecutive title. Instead, she faced a formidable challenge from Werro, who had already established herself as a rising star in middle-distance running this season.
Hodgkinson started strong, leading the race early on, but Werro displayed superior speed and endurance, overtaking her on the back straight and maintaining her lead to the finish. Hodgkinson finished in second place with a time of 1:55.01, also breaking Mineyeva's long-standing record, but fell short of her goal of defending her title. Femke Broeders-Bol of the Netherlands secured the bronze medal, tying her national record with a time of 1:55.54.
Werro's victory was particularly impressive considering she had suffered a fall in the semi-finals, where she was tripped by another runner. After an appeal, officials reinstated her into the final, allowing her to compete for the title. This win capped off an extraordinary season for Werro, during which she recorded the third-fastest time in history at the Paris Diamond League earlier in the year, clocking in at 1:53.80.
"I had a lot of emotion in me. I’m really happy with this medal," Werro said in an on-track interview after her victory. This marked a turning point in her career, as she transitioned from a promising young athlete to a serious contender on the international stage.
The race unfolded with a strategic approach from both athletes. Hodgkinson, running from lane five, aimed to establish an early lead, but Werro, starting from lane nine, quickly caught up by the 200m mark. The two were joined by Broeders-Bol, creating an intense competition among the top three. As they approached the halfway point, Werro's pacing and tactical execution shone through, allowing her to maintain her lead.
The European Championships in Birmingham showcased a range of athletic talent, with the women's 800m serving as the final highlight of the evening. The event was a platform for individual achievement and a stage for national pride, particularly for Hodgkinson, who had the support of a home crowd. This championship marked a continuation of a rich tradition in European athletics, where records are often challenged and new stars emerge.
Hodgkinson, who had previously dominated the 800m scene, faced a stiff challenge from Werro, who had become a formidable competitor. The rivalry between the two athletes has developed over recent years, with Werro having previously defeated Hodgkinson at the Stockholm Diamond League earlier in the summer. Their encounters have become a focal point in women's middle-distance running, with both athletes pushing each other to new heights.
Broeders-Bol's transition from the 400m hurdles to the 800m has also added an exciting dynamic to the event, as she continues to adapt and excel in her new discipline. The competition is expected to intensify in the upcoming World Championships, where all three athletes are likely to face off again.
Looking ahead, the upcoming World Ultimate Championships in Budapest in mid-September will provide another opportunity for Werro and Hodgkinson to compete against each other, alongside Broeders-Bol. With the stakes raised, the anticipation surrounding their potential rematch is already building.
Hodgkinson expressed her determination to reclaim her title, stating, "I thought I was going to win today. It wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t do anything wrong; it was just one of those things." Her resilience and commitment to the sport suggest that she will continue to be a leading figure in women's athletics.
As for Werro, her championship win enhances her reputation and sets the stage for a promising future in athletics. With her sights set on continued success, she aims to build on this victory and solidify her place among the elite in middle-distance running.
The European Championships have proven to be a launchpad for athletes looking to establish themselves on the global stage, and this year’s event was no exception. As the competitions continue, fans can expect thrilling performances and inspiring stories from the world of athletics.