Hunter Bell to face Werro, Hodgkinson and Broeders-Bol in Zurich 800m next week
Georgia Hunter Bell will line up against Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol in an 800m race in Zurich next week, she said, as she prepares to test herself against the trio who dominated Birmingham.
Hunter Bell arrives after an exceptional run of results this season, having added the 1500m European Championship title on Sunday to the Commonwealth 800m gold and the 1500m world indoor crown she already holds; the three opponents she named are described in reports as the Birmingham medallists. She has not yet contested a paced 800m this season but has one scheduled against the leading group in Zurich.
“There is still a lot left of the season,” said Hunter Bell. “I haven’t done a paced 800m yet, I have one coming up with the speedy girls. I am really excited to throw my hat into the ring there. Had a bit of fomo when I saw them on the podium. It’s such an exciting time. I am really happy.”
Some observers believe a quick race in Zurich could approach Jarmila Kratochvilova’s longstanding world record of 1min 53.28sec set in 1983, particularly after Werro ran 1:53.80 this season, a time described as the third fastest in history. The Swiss star’s season best is cited in coverage as a benchmark for how fast the Zurich field might run.
The coverage notes Hunter Bell’s current momentum, stating she could be “in the mix” given her season form. “I haven’t run a personal best so far this year yet but weirdly you could say I’m having my best year because I keep on winning,” she said.
Hunter Bell also said she and the leading UK and European athletes have been discussing creating a larger head-to-head field, including conversations with the world champion Lilian Odira about a possible five-way clash before the end of 2026. “I can’t wait for that, hopefully the big five will come together soon,” she added. “We’ve been talking after the races. ‘When are you racing? You should get into this one.’ There’s a good competitive spirit.”
On the wider season schedule, the most likely opportunity for that expanded showdown is reported to be the Ultimate Championships in Budapest next month, which carries a $150,000 (£110,000) first prize. “In a good way, people aren’t swerving opportunities, everyone is trying to do it together,” Hunter Bell said.
“But there’s respect too,” she said. “Obviously you want to win. If you are in the same race, everyone runs really fast, whoever comes out on top, that’s fun. We’ll see how it goes.”
Her immediate engagement is the 800m in Zurich next week, and the Ultimate Championships in Budapest next month is cited as the most likely subsequent meeting with a $150,000 (£110,000) first prize.