In a thrilling European women's 800m final on August 15, 2026, Switzerland's Audrey Werro held off Britain's Keely Hodgkinson to claim the gold medal. Werro, 22, used a strong finishing kick to cross the line first, with Hodgkinson taking silver. The race was one of the most anticipated of the championships, given the two athletes' recent form.
Werro's victory was a personal milestone, as she had previously been known for her shyness. Her father had encouraged her to adopt a 'lion' mentality when racing, a tactic that paid off in this high-pressure final. Hodgkinson, the 2024 Olympic champion, was unable to match Werro's surge in the final straight.
The win marks Switzerland's first European 800m title in decades, while Hodgkinson's silver adds to her impressive medal collection. Both athletes are expected to be key contenders at the next World Championships.
