Hodgkinson vs Werro Euro 800m Final Showdown Set 2026

Keely Hodgkinson's biggest rival for European 800m gold, Audrey Werro, has been dramatically reinstated to the final after a shocking fall, setting up a dream showdown. The Olympic champion will now face the Swiss star and Femke Broeders-Bol in what promises to be one of the most exciting races of the championships.

How Werro's Fall Shook the Semifinal

During Thursday's first semifinal, Werro was tripped with 120 meters to go after contact with French athlete Anaïs Bourgoin. The incident sent Werro crashing face-down onto the curb, and she also clipped Lithuanian Gabija Galvydyte, causing both to fall. Werro finished last in 2:35.35, but a video review showed that Bourgoin's hand made contact with Werro's right foot, leading to her reinstatement.

Reinstatement After Appeal

Officials reviewed the footage and determined that Werro and Galvydyte were impeded, so both were placed into the 10-strong final. Werro said, "I don't remember what happened just before the fall. I felt that the race was quite busy behind and then a fall happened. I'm OK, I just have a few scratches."

Hodgkinson Cruises Through Semifinal

Hodgkinson had no such drama, winning her semifinal in 1:57.38, just ahead of Broeders-Bol. She commented on Werro's fall: "I heard the 'oooh' which is never a good sign. You can't worry about what happened to other people. I hope she's OK and in the final for an exciting race."

Key Rivals at a Glance

What to Expect in the Final

With Werro reinstated, the final is set to be a tactical battle. Hodgkinson's strong finishing kick will be tested against Werro's front-running style and Broeders-Bol's raw speed. The race could see a championship record if all three perform at their best.

Key Takeaways

• Audrey Werro reinstated after video review showed she was impeded.
• Hodgkinson remains unbeaten in the championships.
• Final lineup includes 10 athletes, with three major medal contenders.
• Expect a fast, aggressive race from the gun.

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