European Athletics Championships 2026: Keely Hodgkinson into 800m final, rival Audrey Werro falls but through after appeal

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 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 a ‘ooh’ [from the crowd] which is never a good sign. I don’t know what it looked like.”

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, that’d be a really exciting race.”