Audrey Werro Aims to Break 43-Year-Old 800m World Record

New Delhi, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: European 800m champion Audrey Werro has backed herself to overhaul one of the oldest and most controversial world records.

Jarmila Kratochvilova, representing the then Czechoslovakia, clocked one minute 53.28 seconds in 1983, and the mark has remained untouched in the 43 years since. This record has stood as a testament to Kratochvilova's exceptional talent, but it has also been the subject of intense scrutiny due to the context of doping in during that era. At the height of her career, Czechoslovakia was embroiled in a systematic doping program that affected numerous athletes, raising questions about the legitimacy of many records set during this time. Although Kratochvilova has consistently denied any wrongdoing and never failed a doping test, the shadow of suspicion lingers over her achievements, making her record one of the most controversial in s history.

Audrey Werro, still only 22, ran 1:53.80 in Paris in June, moving up to third in the event's all-time list and to within half a second of Kratochvilova's time. This remarkable performance has positioned her as a serious contender for the world record, igniting interest and excitement among fans and experts alike. Werro's ascent in the has been meteoric, and her recent times suggest that she is not just a rising star but a potential record-breaker.

"Things have happened really fast," said Werro, on the eve of Thursday evening's Diamond League meeting in Zurich. Her statement reflects the rapid progression she has made in her career, transitioning from a promising youth athlete to a top contender in international competitions. "I was not prepared for a world record this year. I just want to focus on running fast and winning some races, and I think with this mentality the world record will fall one day. But I don't know when." This humble yet confident outlook illustrates her commitment to the and her understanding of the pressures that come with chasing a world record.

Werro, a multiple title-winner at youth level, has improved her personal best in each of her last eight seasons and is now consistently within range of the world record. This streak of improvement is a testament to her dedication and the effectiveness of her training regimen. This year, the Swiss athlete has registered three of the 10 fastest times in history, further solidifying her status as one of the leading athletes in the 800m event.

"The biggest difference this year was that I finished university one year ago," said Werro, who saw off Britain's Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to claim her continental title in Birmingham earlier this month. The completion of her university education has allowed her to dedicate more time and energy to her athletic pursuits, which has undoubtedly contributed to her recent successes. "Now I'm just focused on and I just have more time for the competition, the training, the recovery, everything." This newfound focus has enabled her to hone her skills and improve her performance on the track.

"I have worked a lot more on the mentality part over the past two years, and you are seeing the result now." The mental aspect of competitive is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in an athlete's performance. Werro's emphasis on mental preparation highlights her understanding of the 's psychological demands and her commitment to developing a well-rounded approach to competition.

Werro's trademark celebration, in which she mimics outstretched claws, is in honour of her father's advice to channel the spirit of a lion on the track after he judged her too timid in childhood races. This unique celebration not only reflects her personality but also symbolizes her journey from a shy young athlete to a confident competitor who embraces the challenges of elite racing.

While Hodgkinson has pulled out of the Zurich meet—the final Diamond League outing before the series final in Brussels on 4-5 September—Femke Broeders-Bol of the Netherlands will be on the start line alongside Werro. Broeders-Bol only stepped up to the two-lap distance this season, having won the 400m hurdles world title in Tokyo in 2025. Her transition to the 800m has been closely watched, and her performances have shown that she is adapting quickly to the demands of the event.

The 26-year-old finished only eight hundredths of a second behind Werro in Lausanne last week and took European bronze in Birmingham. She admits she has been surprised by how fast she has adapted to the event. "I didn't expect to be this fast already—to run a national record already—so it has been very nice to surprise myself with my level," said Broeders-Bol. Her rapid improvement adds another layer of excitement to the competition, as she and Werro will be vying for top honors.

In Hodgkinson's absence, Georgia Hunter-Bell, who won world 800m silver last year and has claimed national and Commonwealth titles over the distance this season, will be Britain's sole representative in the race, which begins at 20:41 BST. Hunter-Bell's experience and recent successes will make her a formidable competitor in the field, further heightening the stakes for Werro and Broeders-Bol.

Diamond League - Zurich

Thursday, 27 August - 19:00-21:00 BST

Watch live on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and the BBC website and app.