Keely Hodgkinson secured a spot in the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships 2026 just as rival Audrey Werro faced a dramatic fall. Werro, who set the fastest time for 43 years earlier this season, collapsed on the final bend during her semi-final, finishing last despite leading initially. A video suggested French star Anais Bourgoin may have tripped her with her left hand, though some footage showed Werro hitting her own foot before going down.

Hodginson crossed the line first in one minute 57.38 seconds, comfortably ahead of Femke Broeders-Bol, a two-time world 400m hurdles champion who switched events this season. Before Werro's appeal, Hodginson expressed hope for her recovery and enthusiasm for facing her rival in the highly anticipated final. This matchup promises a thrilling showdown as Hodginson aims for European gold.