Audrey Werro through to 800m final despite fall in Birmingham; appeal approved to compete in final

2026 European Athletics Championships women’s 800m semi-finals: Audrey Werro through despite fall, Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol safely through

The first twist in the women’s 800m highly anticipated showcase in Birmingham 2026 sees favourite Audrey Werro reinstated before Friday’s (13 August) final.

It’s been a dramatic build-up to Friday night’s (14 August) women’s 800m final at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham .

Despite falling in the semi-finals, Audrey Werro , the third-fastest woman in history, will compete in Friday’s final alongside Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol after being reinstated.

Swiss star Werro led the first semi-final from the start before an entanglement of legs. After crossing the line in 16th, her appeal was approved to confirm her place on the final start line.

The 22-year-old has had a breakout season and is among the favourites for Friday’s gold.

“It’s such a shame what happened as I’m in really good shape,” Werro immediately reacted. “I really don’t know what happened. I will watch it on the video but I can’t really explain it. I was running in the front and everything was good and suddenly I was on the ground.

“The race was a bit messy behind me. I was in the front because I like to stay clear of the group. I thought I was safer at the front. Unfortunately, these things happen.”

The next semi-final, in comparison, went as expected. Racing for the second time in UK this summer after the London Diamond League, a repeat result saw Hodgkinson cross the line in first, ahead of Broders-Bol in second.

Athletics | European Championships | Birmingham | United Kingdom