Swiss middle-distance runner Audrey Werro came within striking distance of the oldest world record in track and field at the Paris Diamond League on June 28, 2026. Werro clocked 1 minute 54.98 seconds in the women's 800 meters, the fastest time by any woman since Jarmila Kratochvilova set the world record of 1:53.28 on July 26, 1983.
Werro's performance is the second-fastest time in history, surpassing the previous best of 1:54.44 set by Pamela Jelimo in 2008. The 24-year-old Swiss athlete led from the start and maintained a strong pace, finishing well ahead of the field.
Kratochvilova's record has stood for nearly 43 years, making it the longest-standing world record in track and field. Werro's time of 1:54.98 is just 1.70 seconds off that mark, suggesting the record could fall in the near future.
Werro's run was widely praised by commentators and fellow athletes. Many noted that the conditions in Paris were favorable, with mild temperatures and minimal wind. The Swiss runner has now won three consecutive Diamond League races this season.
