ImportantAudrey Werro on becoming the queen of 800m running and her rivalry with Keely Hodgkinson

Audrey Werro Dominates 800m with Unmatched Consistency and Rivalry Insights

The Independent Sport•
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Summary

Audrey Werro has emerged as the queen of 800m running in 2026, achieving unprecedented success. The Swiss athlete has recorded three of the five fastest times in history, clinching her first European title, a second Diamond League Final, and winning the inaugural World Ultimate Championships.

Her season began with a silver medal at the World Indoor Championships in March, where she set the fifth-fastest time ever on a short track. Once the outdoor season commenced, she dominated the competition, winning 16 out of 17 races.

Werro reflects on her remarkable year, stating, “At the beginning of the season, I was not expecting to run that fast.” Her personal best now stands at 1:53.70, a significant improvement from her previous best of 1:55.91 in 2025.

Despite her success, she maintains a humble lifestyle, training at Club Athletique de Belfaux with her original coach, Christiane Berset Nuoffer. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” she asserts, emphasizing her close ties to family and her training environment.

Her racing strategy has evolved, and she credits her father for inspiring her trademark “lion” celebration. “I’m not shy anymore on the track,” she admits, showcasing her growing confidence.

Werro's only outdoor defeat came at the European Championships, where she was tripped and fell during a chaotic semi-final. However, she remained positive, planning for future competitions.

With her sights set on the 2027 European indoor title and the World Championships in Beijing, Werro also aims for the elusive world record of 1:53.28, held since 1983. “I think I’m definitely capable of breaking the world record,” she concludes, confident in her ability to continue improving and competing at the highest level.

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