Femke Bol edged by Audrey Werro in thrilling Brussels

Femke Bol was narrowly beaten by Audrey Werro in the women's 800m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels on September 5. The two-time world 400m hurdles champion, who moved up to the two-lap distance in February, finished just 0.06 seconds behind the Swiss star. This razor-thin defeat sets up a major showdown at this weekend's World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

How did the Brussels 800m final unfold?

Audrey Werro won the race in 1 minute 54.75 seconds, holding off a determined challenge from the Dutch athlete over the final metres. Werro admitted Bol's presence was a major motivator. "I felt Femke putting me under pressure during the whole race and that absolutely pushed me to not slow down," Werro said. "Her presence is a big source of motivation for me to stay sharp going into next year." The 22-year-old Swiss runner is in stunning form this season, challenging a women's world record that has stood for 43 years.

For Bol, the result was a mix of frustration and optimism. The 26-year-old told Olympics.com after the race, "A little bit frustrated when you get that close.

What is next for Femke Bol?

All attention now turns to Budapest and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The Brussels final served as the perfect precursor, proving the rivalry between Werro and Bol is the hottest in women's middle-distance running. Bol's ability to challenge a specialist like Werro, who is targeting a historic world record, speaks volumes about her adaptation to the event in less than a year. Her schedule for the championship is now the main focus.

How has Bol transitioned to the 800m?

Bol's rise as one of the world's best 800m runners is a remarkable story of athletic reinvention. A dominant force in the 400m hurdles, where she is a two-time world champion, she only began focusing on the 800m in February of this year. Her raw speed from the one-lap hurdles event has translated powerfully to the longer distance, giving her a formidable finishing kick. Competing against dedicated 800m runners like Werro and holding her own at the Diamond League Final level shows the success of this bold move.

Her post-race interview in Brussels, featured among the best of the day, captured her competitive mindset. She is not content with just participating; she is racing to win. This drive will be essential in Budapest against a global field.

• Close Finish: Femke Bol was beaten by just 0.06 seconds by Audrey Werro in the Brussels Diamond League Final 800m on September 5.
• Budapest Showdown: The result sets up a direct rematch at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship this weekend.
• Rapid Ascent: Bol only moved up to the 800m in February 2026 and is already competing for Diamond League titles.
• Elite Company: She pushed Werro, an athlete now threatening the 43-year-old women's 800m world record.