In a thrilling display of athletic prowess at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Swiss runner Audrey Werro claimed victory in the women’s 800m, outpacing Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro’s commanding time of 1:55.88 not only secured her the top spot but also earned her the substantial $150,000 prize. Hodgkinson followed closely with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol finished in third place.
Werro’s strategy was clear from the start as she took the lead early and maintained her pace, ultimately accelerating in the final 300 meters to seal her win. This triumph marks the culmination of an exceptional season for the 22-year-old, who has emerged victorious in 14 out of her 15 outdoor races, solidifying her status as a preeminent force in the 800m discipline.
Meanwhile, Hodgkinson, who has been grappling with injuries throughout the season, expressed satisfaction with her performance. Her return to competitive form comes after a hamstring injury had previously hindered her ability to complete necessary speed training, making her second-place finish all the more commendable.
In another highlight of the event, Georgia Hunter Bell showcased her talent in the women’s 1500m, securing second place behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska crossed the finish line in 3:57.55, narrowly edging out Hunter Bell by just 0.15 seconds. Hunter Bell’s impressive season, which has seen her achieve multiple major championship victories, was rewarded with a $75,000 prize for her performance.
The women’s 100m race also featured a standout moment as world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden sprinted to victory in 10.62 seconds, marking the fastest time globally this year. She was followed by Olympic champion Julien Alfred, who clocked in at 10.74 seconds, and Sha’Carri Richardson, who completed the race in 10.76 seconds, securing third place.