Keely Hodgkinson has moved one step closer to securing European gold after comfortably reaching the women’s 800m final. Her path was cleared after a high-stakes semi-final where competitor Audrey Werro suffered a significant fall.
Werro, who previously clocked the fastest time in 43 years this season, dominated the opening stages of the first semi-final. However, she lost her footing on the final bend, leaving her place in the Friday night showdown uncertain. Despite appearing to clip her own leg, the Swiss runner successfully appealed the result and was granted a spot in the final, which will now feature 10 athletes instead of nine, including Lithuania’s Gabija Galvydyte.
In the second semi-final, Hodgkinson maintained her composure to finish first with a time of one minute and 57.38 seconds. The Olympic champion successfully held off a challenge from Femke Broeders-Bol, the world champion 400m runner who recently shifted focus to the 800m distance. Reflecting on the incident, Hodgkinson noted her hope that Werro would recover in time for the final, emphasizing her desire for a clean and competitive race.
Jemma Reekie, representing Great Britain, also secured her place in the final after winning the heat affected by Werro’s fall. Hodgkinson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge, stating that the intense competition brings out the best in her performance.
