In a remarkable showcase of talent at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Audrey Werro emerged victorious in the women’s 800m race, outperforming Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to secure the $150,000 top prize. The 22-year-old Swiss athlete clocked an impressive 1:55.88, leaving Hodgkinson in second place with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol claimed third. Werro’s victory was marked by her strategic dominance from the outset, maintaining control and ultimately accelerating over the last 300 meters to seal her win. This triumph adds to a stunning season for Werro, who has now won 14 out of her 15 outdoor races, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the 800m discipline.
Despite not clinching the top spot, Keely Hodgkinson expressed pride in her performance, especially considering her recent battle with injuries. Having recently recovered from a hamstring injury that hindered her speed training, Hodgkinson’s second-place finish is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her return to form is particularly noteworthy given the challenges she faced throughout the season.
In another noteworthy event, Georgia Hunter Bell made a strong showing in the women’s 1500m, finishing second behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska secured victory with a time of 3:57.55, narrowly edging out Hunter Bell by just 0.15 seconds. Hunter Bell’s second-place finish earned her a $75,000 prize, capping off a robust season that has seen her achieve multiple major championship victories.
The women’s 100m race also witnessed a standout performance as world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden clinched victory, clocking 10.62 seconds, the fastest time recorded globally this year. Olympic champion Julien Alfred followed in second place with a time of 10.74, while Sha’Carri Richardson secured third, finishing in 10.76. Jefferson-Wooden’s exceptional run further cements her reputation as an elite sprinter on the world stage.