Audrey Werro wins 800m gold, Keely Hodgkinson silver at Budapest Ultimate Championships

The Ultimate Championships in Budapest delivered a headline‑making finish for the 800‑metre race, as 22‑year‑old Swiss sprinter Audrey Werro captured the $150,000 first‑prize with a dominant performance that silenced speculation about her fatigue. The event had been a showcase of an intense summer arms race among the sport’s elite, featuring Werro, Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, and Dutch rising star Femke Broeders‑Bol. Werro’s decisive win reaffirmed her status as the season’s preeminent 800‑metre runner.

In the 1500‑metre final, Georgia Hunter Bell finished second, trailing Polish athlete Marta Kazimierska who claimed the gold. Bell’s strong showing added depth to the field, while Kazimierska’s victory underscored Poland’s growing presence in middle‑distance track events. The Championships highlighted the continued evolution of women’s middle‑distance running, with multiple athletes pushing the limits of speed and endurance.

Overall, the Budapest meet showcased the high stakes and competitive intensity of 2026’s track calendar. Werro’s triumph in the 800 metres and Bell’s podium finish in the 1500 metres illustrate the depth of talent across Europe, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.