Hodgkinson advances to 800m final after Werro fall

Keely Hodgkinson advanced to the women's 800m final at the championships on 2026-08-13 after Audrey Werro fell in the first semi-final and was later reinstated following a successful appeal. The Swiss athlete crashed on the final bend but was allowed to race in Friday's final after video evidence was reviewed.

Werro, who ran the fastest time for 43 years earlier this season, led from the start in the opening semi-final before crashing to the track on the final bend. The 22-year-old got back to her feet and completed the race in last place, grimacing and clutching her chest. Broadcast footage showed France's Anais Bourgoin hit Werro's right foot with her left hand, while an earlier angle appeared to show Werro clipping her own leg before the fall.

In the second semi-final Hodgkinson finished first in 1:57.38, leading from the gun and holding off Femke Broeders-Bol. Broeders-Bol, described in coverage as a two-time world 400m hurdles champion who chose to switch events this season, pushed Hodgkinson but could not overhaul her on the line.

Hodgkinson gave several post-race comments about the incident; she told BBC TV: "I heard an 'ooh' [from the crowd] which is never a good sign. I don't know what it looked like." Speaking prior to Werro's successful appeal, she 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."

Jemma Reekie won the first semi-final, capitalising on Werro's fall to take victory in that heat. Lithuanian athlete Gabija Galvydyte, who was clipped by Werro as she fell, also advanced to the final as a result of the appeal decision.

The women's 800m has been framed in coverage around an expected three-way contest between Hodgkinson, Werro and Broeders-Bol, a storyline discussed by competitors and commentators. Hodgkinson said: "The excitement makes me excited. I can't wait to step out there. It brings out the best in me," and added: "I love a good challenge. Hopefully it'll be a good race, a clean race, nobody falling over."

Friday's final will feature 10 athletes instead of the planned nine, with Hodgkinson, Werro, Broeders-Bol, Reekie and Galvydyte all confirmed to take part following the jury's ruling.