Hodgkinson secures European 800m final spot amid appeal controversy
Keely Hodgkinson wins her semi-final heat, while Audrey Werro and Gabija Galvydyte are granted entry following a successful protest over a collision on the final bend.
Keely Hodgkinson has advanced to the women’s 800m final at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, securing her place with a victory in the second semi-final. The reigning Olympic champion led from the start and held off a late challenge from Femke Broeders-Bol to finish in one minute 57.38 seconds.
Her qualification comes shortly after a dramatic incident in the first semi-final that has altered the composition of the final field. Audrey Werro, who had led the race, suffered a significant fall on the final bend. The Swiss athlete finished in last place, visibly grimacing and clutching her chest, but was permitted to advance following a successful appeal.
Officials reviewed footage which suggested that France’s Anais Bourgoin struck Werro’s right foot with her left hand, causing the collision. While an earlier camera angle appeared to show Werro clipping her own leg, the successful appeal resulted in her inclusion in the final. Additionally, Lithuanian athlete Gabija Galvydyte, who was clipped by Werro during the fall, has also been advanced to the final.
The decision means the final will feature ten athletes rather than the standard nine. Fellow Briton Jemma Reekie capitalised on the disruption in the first semi-final to win her heat, ensuring a strong British presence alongside Hodgkinson in Friday’s showpiece event.
Hodgkinson, who is targeting her third consecutive European title, stated she heard a collective gasp from the crowd but did not witness the incident directly. She expressed concern for her rival, telling BBC TV: “Obviously it's a real shame and I hope she's OK. I hope she's in the final tomorrow, that'd be a really exciting race.”
The European Athletics Championships have positioned the women’s 800m as a key event, with the potential for a three-way battle between Hodgkinson, Werro, and Broeders-Bol. Hodgkinson noted that the high stakes bring out her best performance, though she added her preference for a “clean race” without further disruptions.
The final is scheduled for Friday, with Hodgkinson aiming to consolidate her status as the dominant force in the discipline following her Olympic success and two previous European titles.
