Keely Hodgkinson has successfully reached the women’s 800m final at the European Championships in Birmingham after a dramatic semi-final.
Her main rival Audrey Werro suffered a fall late in the major race but was later re-entered for the final after an appeal.
The Swiss, 22, got back to her feet a moment later and completed the race in last place. There was less excitement in the second semi-final with Hodgkinson safely winning the triumph in one minute 57.38 seconds.
The Olympic champion led from flag-fall and denied the closing challenger first in one minute 57.38 seconds.
“Obviously it’s a real shame and I hope she’s OK.”
“I hope she’s in the final tomorrow [Friday], that’d be a really exciting race,” Hodgkinson said.”
“The excitement makes me excited. I can’t wait to step out there. It brings out the best in me,” Hodgkinson continued.
The Olympic champion led from the start and withstood the surge of the fast-improving Femke Broeders-Bol-a two-time world 400m hurdles champion who chose to switch events this season.
Hodgkinson will be joined in the final by fellow Briton Jemma Reekie; and there will be 10 athletes in Friday’s final instead of nine including Lithuanian athlete Gabija Galvydyte, who is progressing in parallel to the Swiss athlete.
