Femke Broeders-bol Secures Bronze in 1:55.54 As Audrey Werro Wins 800M European Final in Championship Record in the UK

Switzerland’s Audrey Werro won the women’s 800m European final in a championship record 1:54.81sec, with Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson taking silver and Femke Broeders-Bol bronze. The race delivered the classic many had hoped for as Werro led from the front, but it was a close run thing as Hodgkinson pushed her all the way. Werro proved too strong, coming through in 1:54.81sec, while Hodgkinson ran 1:55.01 to take silver and Broeders-Bol finished third in 1:55.54. I am really happy with this medal after a crazy 24 hours, said Werro, who beat Hodgkinson by about three metres.

It was a great race, said the British runner. I am sure there will be many more battles ahead. But I think I would have been happier with gold. Hodgkinson was attempting to complete a European Championship hat-trick after golds in 2022 and 2024. As those in the press box discussed their likely 1-2-3s beforehand, there were coherent advocates for all six potential permutations, but cracking the enigma code was easier than getting agreement on what would happen when the big three of Hodgkinson, Werro and Broeders-Bol met for the first time.