Keely Hodgkinson and rivals chase women's 800m record at Europeans
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 6:13 AM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
The women's 800m world record, held by Jarmila Kratochvilova since 1983, remains unbroken after 43 years. Competing this week at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, top runners including Keely Hodgkinson and Audrey Werro have produced impressive times, with Werro clocking 1:53.80 in June. Athletes are closing in on the record due to advancements in training, nutrition, and shoe technology. Hodgkinson, who recently set an indoor record, is among the favorites as the competition progresses toward finals.
- •Jarmila Kratochvilova set the 800m record at 1:53.28 in 1983.
- •Audrey Werro recorded a time of 1:53.80 in June 2026.
- •Keely Hodgkinson set a new indoor record of 1:54.87 this year.
- •Advancements in sports science and technology have helped athletes improve times.
- •Hodgkinson and her competitors are set to compete in the finals at the Europeans.
- 6:13 AMYahoo Sports — Why is the women's 800m record so tough to break?
- 6:13 AMBBC Sport — Why is the women's 800m record so tough to break?
"The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years. Why?
"The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years. Why?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 6:13 AMWhy is the women's 800m record so tough to break?
The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years. Why?
- BBC SportAug 12, 2026, 6:13 AMWhy is the women's 800m record so tough to break?
The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years. Why?
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