Femke Bol joins elite 800m showdown at European Championships

Femke Bol, the Dutch track and field star, will compete in the women’s 800m final at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on 11 August. The former 400m hurdles world champion has transitioned to the 800m this year, adding intrigue to a race already featuring Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and Swiss sensation Audrey Werro.

What makes this race special?

The women’s 800m final is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the championships. Keely Hodgkinson, the Paris 2024 Olympic champion, has called it the 'race of the championships.' She will face Audrey Werro, who has run the third, fourth, and ninth fastest times in history this summer, including a stunning 1:53.98 in Stockholm in June. Femke Bol brings her own pedigree as a former 400m hurdles world champion, making this a true clash of titans.

Why is Femke Bol a wildcard?

Bol’s move to the 800m this year has been a bold one. While she lacks the experience of Hodgkinson and Werro in the event, her tactical nous and speed could make her a dark horse. Hodgkinson herself has admitted that championships are unpredictable, and Bol’s presence adds another layer of excitement.

What are the key stats?

• Keely Hodgkinson: Olympic champion, 11-time major medal winner, personal best of 1:54.33.
• Audrey Werro: Third fastest woman in history (1:53.98), three of the top 10 fastest times this summer.
• Femke Bol: Former 400m hurdles world champion, making her 800m debut at the European Championships.

What’s at stake?

For Hodgkinson, this is a chance to cement her status as the best 800m runner in Europe. For Werro, it’s an opportunity to prove she can handle the pressure of a major championship. For Bol, it’s a chance to show she can compete at the highest level in a new event. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with all three athletes pushing each other to their limits.