Audrey Werro showcased her prowess in the women’s 800m race at the Ultimate Championships in Budapest, securing victory over Britain’s Olympic champion, Keely Hodgkinson, and claiming the $150,000 top prize. The Swiss runner, aged 22, clocked an impressive 1:55.88, outpacing Hodgkinson, who finished with a time of 1:56.26, while Femke Broeders-Bol secured third place. Werro’s strategic control from the outset and her final 300-meter surge underscored her remarkable season, during which she has triumphed in 14 of her 15 outdoor events, cementing her status as a leading figure in the 800m discipline.
Despite facing challenges from injuries this season, Hodgkinson expressed pride in her performance, particularly after recovering from a hamstring issue that hindered her speed training and ability to fully contest Werro. Her return to competitive form is notable given the obstacles she has had to overcome to maintain her status as a top contender in the field.
In other events, Georgia Hunter Bell delivered a strong performance in the women’s 1500m race, finishing second to Poland’s Klaudia Kazimierska. Kazimierska clinched victory with a time of 3:57.55, narrowly edging out Hunter Bell by just 0.15 seconds. Hunter Bell’s consistent excellence has been a hallmark of her season, which includes several significant championship victories, earning her a $75,000 prize for her second-place finish.
The women’s 100m race also saw a standout performance, with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the reigning world champion, crossing the finish line in 10.62 seconds, marking the fastest time recorded globally this year. Julien Alfred, the Olympic champion, followed closely in second place with a time of 10.74 seconds, while Sha’Carri Richardson completed the podium in third, clocking in at 10.76 seconds.
These performances highlight the competitive spirit and high level of athletic achievement present at the Ultimate Championships, with athletes overcoming personal and physical challenges to deliver outstanding results on the international stage.