Women's 800 meters in the spotlight as Britain hosts European championships for 1st time

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Shy as a kid, Audrey Werro took her dad's advice before races that "I have to be a lion." This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

The 22-year-old Swiss star, who uses a lion's roar celebration, is in the spotlight in the women's 800 meters at the European Championships in Birmingham. This is the first time Britain has hosted the European championships.

Werro won the women's 800 meters at the Meeting de Paris Diamond League athletics meet in Paris this season. Her main rival is Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson, who won the Women's 800m final at the Diamond League London athletics meet.

During a training session ahead of the start of the European Athletics Championships, Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith reacted with Amber Anning and Nicole Yeargin. Also, Britain's Laviai Nielsen ran during a training session.

The European Championships started in Birmingham on Aug. 9, 2026. The event puts a special focus on the women's 800 meters, as the rivalry between Werro and Hodgkinson is at a high level.