The three-way rivalry has been a highlight of the 2026 season, yet each race has produced the same outcome. Audrey Werro reaffirmed her status as the world’s top 800m runner by winning the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.
Hodgkinson began the year strongly, breaking the world indoor record with a time of 1:54.87 and securing the world indoor title with a championship record of 1:55.30.
The outdoor season unfolded differently. At the Diamond League meeting in Rabat, Werro began a series of 800m victories, frequently defeating both Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol, a recent 800m convert and two-time world 400m hurdles champion.
Werro’s sub-1:54 performances in Stockholm, Paris, and Zurich have prompted speculation about a new world record. Her personal best of 1:53.70 is only 0.42 seconds shy of the long-standing record, and she now holds three of the five fastest times in history.
The Budapest race focused on determining the ultimate champion rather than breaking records. Werro entered as the favorite, though Broeders-Bol had been narrowing the gap in recent competitions. Notably, Hodgkinson was the last athlete to defeat Werro.
Werro set the pace, leading the first lap in 57.83 seconds, with Broeders-Bol close behind and Hodgkinson just a stride back.
With 200 meters remaining, the top three converged, but Werro accelerated into the home straight. Hodgkinson, who had missed the Diamond League Final as a precaution, overtook Broeders-Bol in the final stretch.
Neither rival could catch Werro, who finished in 1:55.88. Hodgkinson placed second in 1:56.26, and Broeders-Bol took third in 1:56.74, repeating the podium order from the European Championships.
“I really liked the race,” Werro said. “I think I’ve won every outdoor race this season. It feels surreal, but it’s the result of hard work and dedication.”
“I’m actually pretty proud of how this race went,” Hodgkinson said. “I wanted to win, and it came down to the wire. These are amazing women, and we all encourage each other.”
Broeders-Bol expressed her satisfaction with both her race and her season. “I’m done with my season, and I can say that I really love this event now,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of this year more than I expected. This third place means a lot to me.”
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