Keely Hodgkinson has pulled out of the Diamond League meeting in Zurich, where she had been scheduled to race the 800m. The withdrawal postpones a highly anticipated rematch with Swiss star Audrey Werro.
Reason for absence
Hodgkinson officially announced her withdrawal on Monday, just days before the scheduled race. In a public statement, she explained that she was not able to race again so quickly following the physical demands of the European Athletics Championships, where she claimed an 800m silver medal.
She said: "Unfortunately, the body isn't quite ready to race again after the European Championships. We've made the decision to skip this race and get ready for the next one. Sad to miss it, hopefully see you next year!"
Organisers respond
Diamond League organisers claimed they had hoped to host the "highly anticipated race against Audrey Werro" but "fully respect" Hodgkinson's choice and "hope to see her back in Zurich in the future."
The decision serves as a strategic rest period to recover from physical fatigue and manage minor injury setbacks encountered earlier in the summer season. By opting out of Zurich, she hopes to protect her health and target a return for the Diamond League final in Brussels.
The 800m field
Despite her withdrawal, the Zurich 800m field remains stacked with world-class talent, including European 1,500m champion Georgia Hunter Bell and Dutch star Femke Broeders-Bol. They will line up alongside home favourite Werro on Thursday.
Werro headlines the event as she continues an incredible, undefeated outdoor season. She secured European gold ahead of Hodgkinson in a championship-record 1:54.81 this month and holds a season's best of 1:53.80, making her the clear athlete to beat.
