Audrey Werro showcased her dominance in the women’s 800m event at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, leaving a lasting impression with her victory over Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. The Swiss athlete, aged 22, clocked an impressive 1:55.88 to secure the $150,000 first prize. Hodgkinson followed closely with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol claimed third place. Werro’s strategic control from the outset and her powerful surge in the final 300 meters underscored a stellar season, marked by her triumph in 14 of her 15 outdoor races, firmly establishing her as a top contender in the 800m category.
Keely Hodgkinson, despite a challenging season marred by injuries, expressed satisfaction with her performance. Her comeback from a hamstring injury, which hindered her speed training, was commendable as she managed to secure the second position. This race was a significant milestone for Hodgkinson, highlighting her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
In other events, Georgia Hunter Bell delivered an impressive performance in the women’s 1500m, finishing second behind Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska clinched the victory with a time of 3:57.55, barely edging out Hunter Bell by 0.15 seconds. Hunter Bell’s consistent excellence throughout the season, which included major championship victories, earned her a commendable $75,000 for her runner-up finish.
The competition also witnessed a standout moment in the women’s 100m race. World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden clocked in at 10.62 seconds, achieving the fastest time globally this year. Olympic champion Julien Alfred secured second place with a time of 10.74 seconds, while Sha’Carri Richardson completed the top three with a time of 10.76 seconds. This race further solidified Jefferson-Wooden’s dominance on the track, showcasing the high level of competition among the leading sprinters.