The most electrifying rivalry in global athletics has pushed middle-distance racing into a thrilling new era. Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol are not just competing against each other. They are pushing the limits of the sport.
That rivalry reached another peak at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26, where Werro strengthened her status as the world’s leading 800m runner.
Werro Takes Control of the 800m
Hodgkinson had dominated the discipline at the start of the year. She stormed to a world indoor record of 1:54.87 before winning the world indoor title in a championship record 1:55.30.
The outdoor season, however, belonged to Werro.
After winning at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, the Swiss star built an unbeaten run outdoors. She repeatedly finished ahead of both Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol, the celebrated two-time world 400m hurdles champion who recently moved into the 800m.
Werro’s blistering sub-1:54 performances in Stockholm, Paris and Zurich also sparked world record speculation.
Her personal best of 1:53.70 is just 0.42 seconds outside the long-standing world record. She also owns three of the five fastest times in history.
Werro Wins the Budapest Battle
Budapest offered a different challenge. The focus was on winning the crown rather than chasing the clock.
Werro entered as the favourite, while Broeders-Bol had narrowed the gap in their recent tactical battles. Hodgkinson also remained a major threat, having handed Werro her last defeat.
Werro took control immediately and dictated the pace.
She led through the opening lap in 57.83, with Broeders-Bol close behind. Hodgkinson stayed just a stride back.
With 200 metres remaining, the field began to compress. Werro then found another gear and surged into the home straight.
Hodgkinson, who had wisely skipped the Diamond League Final as a precautionary measure, responded strongly. She passed Broeders-Bol in the closing metres.
However, neither challenger could catch Werro.
The Swiss star crossed the line in 1:55.88. Hodgkinson finished second in 1:56.26, while Broeders-Bol took third in 1:56.74.
The podium mirrored the exact 1-2-3 finish from the European Championships.
Werro Reflects on Unbeaten Outdoor Season
Werro was delighted with another victory and the results of her hard work.
“I’m so happy with the race,” Werro reflected. “I think I have won every race I’ve had this year during the outdoor season. It is really crazy but, at the same time, it is something I have worked for and now I am getting the result.”
Hodgkinson also took positives from her runner-up finish.
“I’m actually quite proud with how this race turned out. I wanted to win and it ended up pretty close. These are some amazing women, and we all push each other.”
Broeders-Bol also reflected on a memorable transition year.
“My season is done and now I can say that I really love this event. I’ve loved all of this year even more than I expected. This third place means a lot.”
With all three stars continuing to push each other, the women’s 800m appears set for an even more compelling future.