In a thrilling performance at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Audrey Werro emerged victorious in the women’s 800m, securing a $150,000 prize. The 22-year-old from Switzerland clocked a time of 1:55.88, outpacing Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who finished with a time of 1:56.26. Femke Broeders-Bol claimed third place in the event. Werro’s commanding lead from the start, coupled with her powerful acceleration in the final 300 meters, underscored her dominance. This win concludes an impressive season for Werro, who has triumphed in 14 out of her 15 outdoor races, establishing herself as a formidable contender in the 800m category.
Keely Hodgkinson, despite facing challenges this season due to injuries, expressed pride in her performance. The British athlete has been managing a hamstring injury, which limited her ability to complete essential speed training and compete fully against Werro. Hodgkinson’s resilience was evident as she delivered a strong performance despite her recent setbacks.
In another highlight of the competition, Georgia Hunter Bell showcased her prowess in the women’s 1500m, securing second place behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska crossed the finish line with a time of 3:57.55, narrowly edging out Hunter Bell by just 0.15 seconds. Hunter Bell’s consistent excellence throughout the season has been rewarded with a $75,000 prize for her second-place finish. Her season has been marked by major championship victories, adding to her growing reputation in middle-distance running.
The women’s 100m was also a spectacle, with world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden setting the fastest time of the year at 10.62 seconds. Olympic champion Julien Alfred followed with a time of 10.74, and Sha’Carri Richardson earned third place, clocking in at 10.76. The race highlighted the intense competition and high-caliber performances in the sprinting events at the championships.