In a stunning display at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Audrey Werro outpaced her competitors to clinch the women’s 800m title, edging out Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. The 22-year-old from Switzerland crossed the finish line with a time of 1:55.88, securing the $150,000 prize. Hodgkinson followed in second place with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol claimed third. Werro’s commanding performance from the start reflected her season-long dominance, where she triumphed in 14 of her 15 outdoor races, establishing her as a formidable force in the 800m field.
Despite not clinching the top spot, Keely Hodgkinson delivered a commendable performance, especially considering her recent battles with injuries. She had been sidelined by a hamstring issue, which disrupted her speed training regimen needed to compete at Werro’s level. Nevertheless, Hodgkinson expressed satisfaction with her return to form, underscoring her resilience and competitive spirit.
In another thrilling race, Georgia Hunter Bell secured second place in the women’s 1500m, finishing just 0.15 seconds behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska clocked in at 3:57.55 for the victory. Hunter Bell’s impressive performance added another highlight to her already successful season, which included significant championship wins. Her second-place finish earned her a $75,000 reward.
The women’s 100m race also featured a standout performance as world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden sprinted to victory in 10.62 seconds, marking the fastest time globally this year. Olympic champion Julien Alfred finished closely behind in 10.74 seconds, while Sha’Carri Richardson claimed third with a time of 10.76 seconds. The event showcased the intense competition and high-caliber talent present at the championships.
