HODGKINSON TAKES SILVER AT ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIPS DESPITE HAMSTRING INJURY

Keely Hodgkinson finished second at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, losing to Switzerland's Audrey Werro in the 800 metres. Werro won the $150,000 first prize in 1 minute 55.88 seconds, with Hodgkinson second in 1:56.26 and the Netherlands' Femke Broeders-Bol third. Hodgkinson revealed she had competed whilst managing a torn hamstring sustained during the European Championships in Birmingham approximately three to four weeks earlier. The British Olympic champion described herself as proud of her performance given the injury circumstances.

Werro has established dominance in the 800m this season. According to one account, since losing to Hodgkinson at the world indoor championships, Werro has won all 14 outdoor events she entered, run four of the 10 fastest times in history, and claimed gold at the European Championships. The 22-year-old Swiss runner has employed a consistent tactical approach: controlling early pace over the first 200 metres before applying pressure in the final 300 metres. Hodgkinson acknowledged that her hamstring injury prevented her from conducting the speed work necessary to match Werro's performance.

Hodgkinson stated that she remained uncertain whether she would participate at the Ultimate Championships whilst managing her rehabilitation. She expressed satisfaction with her second-place finish, noting that at 24 years old she had time to address the competitive challenge posed by Werro and Broeders-Bol. Hodgkinson said she anticipated further competition between the three runners in future seasons and expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of their rivalry developing.