Paris Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson prepares to defend her title against rising stars Audrey Werro and Femke Broeders-Bol.
The European Athletics Championships in **Birmingham** are set to ignite the track this week, promising a spectacle for sports fans worldwide. Among the many world-class events, one race stands out as a potential highlight of the entire championships: the women's 800m final. Britain’s own **Keely Hodgkinson**, the reigning Olympic champion from Paris in the 800m, is ready for what she predicts will be the “race of the championships.”
Hodgkinson, an 11-time major medal winner, will face an intense challenge from formidable rivals. Swiss sensation **Audrey Werro**, who recently defeated Hodgkinson in Stockholm with a historic performance, poses a significant threat. Joining them is **Femke Broeders-Bol**, a former 400m hurdles world champion who has made an impressive transition to the 800m this season.
This highly anticipated 800m showdown is expected to draw immense attention, with the BBC providing extensive coverage of the Birmingham event. Fans can look forward to a week of thrilling track and field action, culminating in the electrifying women's 800m final, according to reporting by The Guardian - Sport.
The Formidable Challenge Hodgkinson Faces in Birmingham
The spotlight shines brightest on the women's 800m, primarily due to the exceptional form of Keely Hodgkinson's competitors. **Audrey Werro**, a 22-year-old from Switzerland, has been a revelation this summer, recording the **third, fourth, and ninth fastest times in history** for the event. Her most stunning performance came at the Stockholm Diamond League in early June, where she clocked an astounding **1 minute 53.98 seconds**, making her the third fastest woman ever over the distance.
Hodgkinson, despite running a personal best of 1:54.33 in that same race, was overtaken by Werro in the final 100 meters, prompting some to suggest she went too soon. “I don’t really think I did anything wrong in that race,” Hodgkinson stated, reflecting on Stockholm. “I didn’t know what she was capable of at that point. I think that just shows you can’t underestimate anybody.” She emphasized the race was her opening event, adding, “It was my fastest time ever and I’m going to remind myself of that because I’m proud of that.” Another significant contender is the Netherlands' **Femke Broeders-Bol**, a former world champion in the 400m hurdles, who has successfully transitioned to the 800m this year, adding another layer of unpredictability to the field.
Hodgkinson's Mental Preparation and Recovery
Keely Hodgkinson is no stranger to the pressures of championship racing, a factor she believes adds to the excitement. “Going to championships is completely different,” she noted. “This is what I love about them. I’ve gone into them ranked eighth in the Olympics in Tokyo and came out with a silver; I’ve gone in as favourite and not won. You can maybe try to predict what others are going to do but ultimately you don’t know. And that’s the beauty of the 800m, you sometimes have to think on your feet.” This experience could prove crucial against less seasoned rivals in major finals.
Hodgkinson has also navigated a recent setback, recovering from a **freak knee injury in late June** after tripping on a metal grate. However, she assures fans she is “back in top shape” and fully focused. While acknowledging the growing presence of social media opinions, which can sometimes be frustrating, she largely lets them go, finding humor in outlandish rumors, like a TikTok post suggesting her training partner, **Georgia Hunter Bell**, paid her to skip the Commonwealth Games. “People make up stuff. We just laugh about it,” she said, highlighting her ability to maintain focus amidst external noise.
Beyond the 800m: European Championships Highlights in Birmingham
While the women's 800m takes center stage, the European Athletics Championships will feature a constellation of global talent. Fans can look forward to seeing reigning Olympic and world champions, and world record holders, including pole vault superstar **Mondo Duplantis**, Norwegian middle-distance king **Jakob Ingebrigtsen** (returning from an Achilles injury in the men's 5,000m), and high jump sensation **Yaroslava Mahuchikh**.
British athletes are also poised to make their mark. **Amy Hunt** is a strong favorite in the women's 100m and 200m, while **Dina Asher-Smith**, the defending champion, aims for more European golds in the 100m. Local hero **Matt Hudson-Smith** is expected to vie for his third consecutive men's 400m gold. Other medal hopefuls include **Katarina Johnson-Thompson** in the heptathlon (following Nafi Thiam's withdrawal), **Elise Thorner** in the steeplechase, **Jake Wightman** in the men's 1500m, **Amber Anning** in the women's 400m, and **Georgia Hunter Bell** in the women's 1500m. The championships also feature exciting relay events, the men's 100m with Italian **Marcel Jacobs** defending his title, and intriguing men's 800m final with **Max Burgin** and **Ben Pattison**.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the European Athletics Championships taking place?
The European Athletics Championships are being held this week in **Birmingham**, featuring a day-by-day guide of events and culminating in major finals towards the end of the week.
Who are Keely Hodgkinson's main rivals in the 800m?
Keely Hodgkinson's primary rivals in the women's 800m are **Audrey Werro** from Switzerland, who recently recorded historically fast times, and **Femke Broeders-Bol** of the Netherlands, a former 400m hurdles world champion.
What is the significance of the Stockholm Diamond League race for Hodgkinson?
The Stockholm Diamond League race in early June saw Audrey Werro defeat Keely Hodgkinson, with Werro running the **third fastest 800m time in history** (1:53.98). Hodgkinson also ran a **personal best and British record** (1:54.33), setting the stage for their rivalry at the championships.
Who are some other top athletes competing at the European Championships?
Beyond the 800m, the championships feature stars like pole vaulter **Mondo Duplantis**, middle-distance runner **Jakob Ingebrigtsen**, high jumper **Yaroslava Mahuchikh**, and British medal hopes such as **Amy Hunt**, **Matt Hudson-Smith**, and **Katarina Johnson-Thompson**.