Audrey Werro Stuns Keely Hodgkinson to Claim European 800m Gold in Birmingham
In a stunning upset at the European Championships in Birmingham, Swiss athlete Audrey Werro claimed her first senior international title by defeating home favourite Keely Hodgkinson in the women’s 800m final. The 22-year-old delivered a career-best performance, crossing the line in a championship-record time of 1:54.81, shaving more than half a second off the previous record held by Olga Mineyeva. Hodgkinson, who was expected to triumph on home soil, had to settle for silver, while Werro’s victory marked a significant milestone in her career.
Werro’s path to gold was not without drama. In the semi-finals, she suffered a fall but was reinstated after a successful appeal, a decision that proved crucial. This reinstatement allowed her to compete in the final, where she showcased remarkable resilience and determination. The victory was especially sweet given her childhood struggles with shyness. Werro revealed that her signature “lion” celebration, which she performed after the race, stems from her father’s advice to “become a lion” every time she raced, a mantra that helped her overcome her timid nature and compete with fierce confidence.
The race itself was a tactical battle, with Hodgkinson setting a strong pace. However, Werro’s powerful finish in the final stretch proved decisive, leaving the British crowd in disbelief. This victory not only elevates Werro’s status in European athletics but also signals a shift in the women’s 800m landscape, as she now poses a serious challenge to Hodgkinson’s dominance. The championship record time also cements her place among the sport’s elite, and her story of overcoming personal adversity adds an inspiring layer to her achievement.
While British media focused on Hodgkinson’s defeat, Werro’s triumph was celebrated across Europe, with Athletics Weekly and European Athletics highlighting her journey from a shy child to a champion. Her victory in Birmingham is a testament to her hard work and mental strength, and it will undoubtedly be a defining moment in her career. As she continues to develop, the rivalry between Werro and Hodgkinson is set to become one of the most compelling narratives in middle-distance running.
Shimanta Das 
