Keely Hodgkinson was denied 800m gold at the Birmingham 2026 World Indoor Championships after a brilliant run from Switzerland's Audrey Werro, who took the title in a time of 1:58.34.
The British star, who had been the overwhelming favourite heading into the final, had to settle for silver as Werro produced a career-best performance on home soil at the Utilita Arena.
Werro's Tactical Masterclass
Werro, 21, controlled the race from the front, setting a strong pace from the gun and never looking back. Hodgkinson, 22, tried to close the gap on the final lap but could not match the Swiss athlete's finishing kick.
The winning time of 1:58.34 was a personal best for Werro and the fastest time in the world this year. Hodgkinson crossed the line in 1:58.68, with Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji taking bronze in 1:59.32.
A Disappointing End to a Dominant Season
Hodgkinson had been in imperious form throughout the indoor season, winning all her races and setting a new British record of 1:56.85 in the heats. However, she was unable to replicate that form in the final, and her defeat will come as a shock to many who expected her to claim a first world indoor title.
Speaking after the race, Hodgkinson admitted she was disappointed but praised Werro's performance. "I gave it everything but Audrey was just too good today," she said. "She ran a fantastic race and deserved the win. I'll learn from this and come back stronger."
What's Next for Hodgkinson?
The defeat is a setback for Hodgkinson, who has dominated the 800m since winning Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020. She will now turn her attention to the outdoor season, with the World Championships in Budapest and the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon.
Werro's victory was a historic moment for Swiss athletics, as she became the first Swiss woman to win a world indoor 800m title. Her performance will also give her confidence ahead of the outdoor season, where she will look to challenge Hodgkinson for major honours.
For Birmingham, the championships have been a resounding success, with record crowds and thrilling performances across all events. The city will now hope to build on this momentum and establish itself as a regular host of major sporting events.
