Keely Hodgkinson Loses European Gold to Swiss Rival Audrey Werro
In a fiercely contested women's 800m final, British Olympian Keely Hodgkinson narrowly misses out on her third consecutive championship title at the Birmingham European Championships. Switzerland's young sensation Audrey Werro, who only became eligible for senior internationals this year, edges ahead to claim gold in one minute 54.81 seconds.
Hodgkinson started strongly but had no answer as her Swiss rival accelerated towards the finish line. The race, watched by a sold-out crowd of 23,000 at Alexander Stadium, saw Werro's tactical run pay off despite a tough start and an unfortunate fall in Thursday’s semi-final.
Telling Statistics
Werro's victory not only marks her first senior international title but also sets a new championship record, outpacing Hodgkinson by 0.2 seconds. This result puts Werro on the radar of many athletics enthusiasts as someone to watch in future global competitions.
Hodgkinson’s Bid for Gold
Seeking her third consecutive European title, Hodgkinson faced a formidable challenge from Switzerland's Audrey Werro and Dutch star Femke Broeders-Bol. Having prevailed against Werro earlier this season, Hodgkinson hoped to use the home support in Birmingham to reclaim supremacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Audrey Werro perform?
Swiss athlete Audrey Werro ran a championship record 1:54.81 to claim gold and her first senior international title.
What is Keely Hodgkinson's next step in athletics?
Hodgkinson, now with over a dozen medals since turning pro, will aim for improvement as she eyes future competitions like the World Championships next year.