Hodgkinson into 800m final after dramatic Werro fall

Emily Salley - BBC Sport journalist Thu, August 13, 2026 at 12:17 PM UTC

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Keely Hodgkinson's bid for European gold continued as she stormed into the final of the women's 800m - moments after rival Audrey Werro suffered a dramatic fall that put her place in Friday's showpiece in doubt.

Werro - who ran the fastest time for 43 years earlier this season - led from the start in the first semi-final, but crashed to the floor on the final bend.

The Swiss 22-year-old got back to her feet a moment later and finished the race in last place, grimacing and clutching her chest.

However, Werro will race against Hodgkinson in a highly anticipated final following a successful appeal - despite footage showing she clipped her own leg before falling.

There was less drama in the second semi-final, with Hodgkinson safely crossing the line first in one minute 57.38 seconds.

The Olympic champion led from the start and held off the fast-improving Femke Broeders-Bol - a two-time world 400m hurdles champion who chose to switch events this season - to advance.

Asked if she had seen Werro's fall before her race, Hodgkinson told BBC TV: "I heard an 'ooh' [from the crowd] which is never a good sign. I don't know what it looked like."

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Speaking before Werro's appeal, Hodgkinson added: "Obviously it's a real shame and I hope she's OK.

"I hope she's in the final tomorrow [Friday], that'd be a really exciting race."

The women's 800m has become the must-watch event of the championships because of the expected three-way battle between Hodgkinson, Werro and Broeders-Bol.

"The excitement makes me excited. I can't wait to step out there. It brings out the best in me," Hodgkinson added.

"I love a good challenge. Hopefully it'll be a good race, a clean race, nobody falling over."

Hodgkinson will be joined in the final by fellow Briton Jemma Reekie, who capitalised on Werro's fall to win the first semi-final.

There will be 10 athletes in Friday's final instead of nine, with Lithuanian athlete Gabija Galvydyte - who was clipped by Werro as she fell - also advancing alongside the Swiss.

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