Audrey Werro produced a stunning performance in Birmingham to defeat defending champion Keely Hodgkinson and claim European 800m gold.
The Swiss 22-year-old finished in a championship-record time of 1:54.81, holding off Hodgkinson in a thrilling final at Alexander Stadium.
Hodgkinson, the Olympic champion, crossed the line in 1:55.01 to take silver, while Dutch athlete Femke Bol-Broeders completed the podium with bronze in 1:55.54.
Werro Holds Her Nerve
The highly anticipated final delivered the close contest many expected, with Hodgkinson, Werro and Bol-Broeders battling for position throughout the race.
Werro was particularly impressive in the closing stages. Having established herself as one of the fastest 800m runners in the world this season, she produced a powerful finish to secure her first major international title.
Her winning time also set a new championship record.
For Hodgkinson, the result ended her run of two consecutive European 800m titles.
The British star admitted afterwards that she had mixed emotions about the result but insisted she had no major regrets about her performance.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, it was just one of those things.”
Hodgkinson said she was proud to have taken another medal but had hoped to defend her title in front of the home crowd.
A New Rivalry Takes Shape
Werro’s victory could mark the beginning of a major rivalry with Hodgkinson.
The Swiss athlete has enjoyed an exceptional outdoor season and has established herself as a serious threat over 800m. Her ability to maintain her speed under pressure was evident as she prevented Hodgkinson from making a decisive move in the final stages.
The result also adds another major name to an increasingly competitive women’s 800m field.
Femke Bol-Broeders, better known for her achievements in the 400m hurdles, has also made an impressive transition to the 800m. Her bronze medal came after only eight months of training in the event, highlighting the potential for even greater battles in future championships.
Britain Misses Out on Gold
The 800m result was a disappointment for the home crowd, but Great Britain continued to collect medals across the championships.
Earlier in the evening, Zharnel Hughes won silver in the men’s 200m, while other British athletes remained involved in medal contests across the programme.
However, Britain failed to win a gold medal on the day and was subsequently overtaken by Italy at the top of the European Championships medal table. Italy moved into first place after winning gold through Nadia Battocletti in the women’s 10,000m and Gianmarco Tamberi in the men’s high jump.
Warholm Makes More History
Norway’s Karsten Warholm also strengthened his place in athletics history by winning his fourth consecutive European 400m hurdles title.
Warholm described the latest victory as another important addition to his career and said his motivation continues to come from improving his record and building the strongest career possible.
He also became the most successful European athlete in the history of the men’s 400m hurdles at the championships.
What Comes Next?
The European Championships continue in Birmingham with more medal opportunities for Great Britain and the rest of Europe.
Saturday’s programme includes the conclusion of the heptathlon, the men’s javelin, women’s high jump and 400m, men’s triple jump and 10,000m, as well as the men’s 1500m and sprint relays.
But Friday night’s 800m final may prove to be one of the defining moments of the championships.
Werro has now claimed her first senior international gold, while Hodgkinson will have another opportunity to respond when the pair meet again.
For now, the European 800m crown belongs to Switzerland.
