In a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess, Audrey Werro clinched the top spot in the women’s 800m event at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, outperforming Britain’s Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson. The Swiss athlete, aged 22, claimed the $150,000 prize with an impressive time of 1:55.88, leaving Hodgkinson to settle for second place with a finish of 1:56.26. Femke Broeders-Bol rounded out the top three in this fiercely contested race.
Werro’s strategy was evident as she took an early lead, maintaining her pace before unleashing a powerful surge in the final 300 meters. This victory is the crowning achievement of a stellar season for Werro, who has triumphed in 14 of her 15 outdoor competitions, solidifying her position as a formidable force in the 800m discipline globally.
Meanwhile, Keely Hodgkinson, who has faced a challenging season due to injuries, expressed satisfaction with her performance. Despite a hamstring issue that hampered her speed training, she demonstrated resilience and determination. Her efforts were commendable, considering the physical setbacks she has endured this year.
In the women’s 1500m race, Georgia Hunter Bell secured a second-place finish, narrowly trailing Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska, who completed the race in 3:57.55. Hunter Bell’s performance, finishing just 0.15 seconds behind Kazimierska, earned her a $75,000 prize. This achievement adds to an impressive season that has seen her claim victories in major championships.
The women’s 100m event also captured attention as world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a remarkable performance, sprinting to victory in 10.62 seconds, marking the fastest time globally this year. Olympic champion Julien Alfred claimed second place with a time of 10.74, while Sha’Carri Richardson finished closely behind in third, clocking 10.76 seconds.