Women's 800m evolves from Olympic exclusion to prominence
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 6:06 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
The women's 800m, which debuted at the 1928 Olympics but was removed for 32 years, has become a highlight of major athletics championships. Initially deemed too physically demanding for women, the event's reintroduction in 1960 sparked significant achievements, including a world record set by Ann Brightwell in 1964. Recent contests have featured competitive races between top athletes like Keely Hodgkinson and Audrey Werro, reshaping perceptions of women in longer-distance running. This evolution highlights the ongoing struggle and triumph within women's sports history.
- •First Olympic women's 800m held in 1928, removed until 1960.
- •Ann Brightwell set world record in 1964 Olympics with 2:01.1.
- •Recent rivalry between Keely Hodgkinson and Audrey Werro captivates fans.
- •Event's history reveals challenges women faced in middle-distance running.
- 6:06 AMYahoo Sports — How the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage
- 6:02 AMBBC Sport — How the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage
"After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
"After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 6:06 AMHow the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage
After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
- BBC SportSep 18, 2026, 6:02 AMHow the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage
After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
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