Keely Hodgkinson has won the silver medal in the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships, with Switzerland's Audrey Werro claiming gold. The result prevented Hodgkinson from achieving a third consecutive European title in the event.
Werro's victory came despite a fall in her semi-final heat, from which she was reinstated. Replays indicated that a competitor's foot clipped Werro's leg during the race, leading to her clutching her chest in pain as she crossed the finish line. This incident led to a crowded 10-athlete final.
Hodgkinson had previously beaten Werro twice during the indoor season, including en route to her first world title. However, Werro had surged past Hodgkinson earlier in the summer at the Stockholm Diamond League, clocking the first sub-1:54 performance in the event since 1983. Hodgkinson, who secured her first major outdoor title at the European Championships in 2022 and retained it two years ago, aimed to prevent a repeat of that performance.
Werro's win marks a significant achievement, preventing Hodgkinson from becoming the first British woman to win three consecutive European titles in the same discipline. The Swiss athlete has proven herself a strong contender on the international stage. Also finishing in the final was Broeders-Bol, who took bronze with a time of 1:55.54. Hodgkinson can anticipate further competition from Broeders-Bol, particularly with the World Championships approaching next year, following the latter's rapid progress since switching from the 400m hurdles this season.