In a standout display at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Audrey Werro clinched the women’s 800m title, besting Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and securing a substantial $150,000 prize. The Swiss athlete, aged 22, clocked an impressive 1:55.88, leaving Hodgkinson in second with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol took third place. Demonstrating her dominance, Werro took charge from the start and surged ahead in the final 300 metres, concluding a stellar season in which she triumphed in 14 out of her 15 outdoor races, affirming her status as a leading figure in the 800m category.
Despite facing injuries throughout the season, Hodgkinson expressed satisfaction with her performance. She has been recovering from a hamstring injury that hindered her ability to complete essential speed training needed to effectively compete against Werro. Nonetheless, her second-place finish illustrates her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level despite the physical setbacks.
The women’s 1500m event saw Georgia Hunter Bell securing second place, trailing just behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska crossed the finish line at 3:57.55, a mere 0.15 seconds ahead of Hunter Bell. For her efforts, Hunter Bell received $75,000, rounding off a season marked by impressive victories in major championships and further establishing her prowess on the track.
Meanwhile, in the women’s 100m, world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered a remarkable performance, winning with a time of 10.62 seconds, marking the fastest in the world this year. Olympic champion Julien Alfred followed closely with 10.74 seconds, and Sha’Carri Richardson completed the race in third, posting a time of 10.76 seconds. This event highlighted the fierce competition and exceptional talent within the sprinting community.