Hodgkinson reaches 800m final after Werro's dramatic fall
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson booked her place in the European 800m final, while rival Audrey Werro of Switzerland also secured a spot after a successful appeal following a heavy fall.
Keely Hodgkinson continued her push for European gold by cruising into the women's 800m final at the European Championships, winning her semi-final in a time of one minute 57.38 seconds. The Olympic champion led from the start and held off Femke Broeders-Bol, a two-time world 400m hurdles champion who switched events this season and has been improving quickly.
The other semi-final produced far more drama. Audrey Werro, the 22-year-old Swiss athlete who had run the fastest 800m time in 43 years earlier this season, led from the gun but fell on the final bend, appearing to clip her own leg. She got back up moments later, finishing last while grimacing and clutching her chest.
Despite footage suggesting the fall was self-inflicted, Werro lodged an appeal against the result, which was upheld — meaning she will now line up against Hodgkinson in Friday's final.
Speaking after her race, Hodgkinson said she had not seen Werro's fall but heard the crowd react with an audible gasp. Before learning the outcome of the appeal, she said it would be a shame if Werro could not compete in the final, adding that she hoped her rival was unhurt and would be able to take part in what she expected to be an exciting race.
