Werro reinstated after tumble to join Hodgkinson and Broeders-Bol in Euro 800m final

Audrey Werro was reinstated into Friday’s European 800m final after a video review found she had been tripped and sent to the track in Thursday’s first semi-final, keeping the anticipated showdown with Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol intact.

Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic gold medallist, and Werro, the 22-year-old Swiss who ran the third fastest time in history in June, were joined in the final by Femke Broeders-Bol, the Netherlands’ 400m hurdles world champion who has moved up this season; the result preserved the headline contest for Friday.

Initial official results showed Werro out after she finished last in 2min 35.35sec, but a review reinstated her into a 10-strong final when footage revealed the back of her right foot made contact with the left hand of the French athlete Anaïs Bourgoin with 120m to go.

The contact, described in the report as having an effect “like a rugby tap-tackle,” caused Werro to be unable to get her back leg through and crash face-down on to the curb; her back legs then clipped the Lithuanian Gabija Galvydyte, who also fell. Werro said: “I don’t remember what happened just before the fall,” and added: “I’m OK, I just have a few scratches.”

Far ahead in that same race Britain’s Jemma Reekie crossed the line first in 1:58.61, while Hodgkinson won the other semi-final in 1:57.38, finishing just ahead of Broeders-Bol. Commenting on the incident, Hodgkinson said: “I heard the ‘oooh’ which is never a good sign, I don’t know what it looked like. You can’t worry about what happened to other people. I hope she’s OK and in the final for an exciting race.”

Hodgkinson also reflected on her form after the semi: “Another 1:57 so I’m happy,” and added: “The excitement makes me excited. I can’t wait to step out there. I love a good challenge, I think it brings out the best in me. So yeah, hopefully it will be a really good race, a clean race, no one falling over tomorrow. No wind please. I’m going to talk to the Etsy witch, make sure there’s no wind.”

Broeders-Bol was described as having looked comfortable throughout and finished just behind Hodgkinson; her personal best for 400m is 49.17 sec — an indoor world record — which the report contrasted with Werro’s personal best, 50.80, and Hodgkinson’s 51.14. Broeders-Bol said: “One of the reasons I went to the 800 is because I love to race, and tomorrow’s final is the ultimate race.”

Asked whether it suits her that people are talking about Hodgkinson and Werro, rather than her, the four-time Olympic and world gold medallist started to smile and said: “Yeah, it’s different and quite nice. I’ve always said being the favourite is a privilege because you know you’re very strong on paper. But I feel I’ve never slept so well, and have never been this relaxed. So I think it brings its advantages as well.”

With Werro and Gabija Galvydyte reinstated on appeal, the field for Friday’s 800m final is confirmed at 10 athletes, ensuring Hodgkinson, Werro and Broeders-Bol will contest the medal race.