Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson was forced to settle for second place behind Switzerland's Audrey Werro at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, but delivered a blunt message to her rival afterwards. Hodgkinson, who had finished seventh in the 400m in Rome just two days earlier, returned to her preferred distance but was outclassed by Werro, who crossed the line in 1:53.98 – the third fastest women's 800m time ever and the quickest of 2026.
A Personal Best Despite Defeat
Hodgkinson and Werro pulled away from the rest of the field, with the British athlete unable to match her Swiss rival's blistering pace despite setting a personal best of 1:54.33. The defeat left viewers, pundits, and even Hodgkinson herself surprised. In the immediate aftermath, she said: "Massive respect to Audrey. That was incredible racing from her and she helped me to run faster. I was glad of her pushing me throughout the race and then fighting me to the line, but I won't let that happen again. I wasn't expecting that from her and I thought she'd come back to me at the end, but such a surprise is good for me and for each other."
Eyes on the World Record
Despite the setback, Hodgkinson remained confident about her future goals. "She's getting the best out of me and I still believe in myself – the world record is still my goal in London next month. I still believe I can do it," she added. Meanwhile, pole vault star Armand Duplantis suffered a stunning defeat to Kurtis Marschall after failing to clear 6.05m. Duplantis admitted: "I felt a bit unfocused today and I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans. I have not lost in what three years? But hats off to Kurtis today who beat me fair and square and I have no excuses."
Earlier in the day, British sprinter Amy Hunt clocked a personal best in the 200m, though she was unable to prevent world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden from taking the top spot.
