Hodgkinson sets up Werro showdown after Euro 800m drama

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson on Thursday set up an eagerly-anticipated showdown with in-form Swiss rival Audrey Werro in the women's European 800m final.

But it was not without drama as Werro was brought crashing down to the track in the opening semi-final and was only included in the final after appealing that she had been clipped from behind coming into the home straight at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

Home favourite Hodgkinson, who previously won continental crowns in Munich in 2022 and Rome two years ago, timed 1min 57.38sec to win her semi.

Dutchwoman Femke Broeders-Bol, the former two-time world 400m hurdles champion who has transitioned into a 800m specialist, was second to the Briton, with Italy's Eloisa Coiro third.

"Another 1:57 so I'm happy. The excitement makes me excited. I love a good challenge and I hope for a clean race with no falling over and no wind please," said Hodgkinson.

The first semi-final was drama-filled as Werro crashed to the track as a bunched pack hit the home straight, the Swiss athlete's foot seemingly clipped by the left hand of France's Anais Bourgoin.

"I heard the 'oooh' which is never a good sign," said Hodgkinson.

"You can't worry about what happened to other people, I hope she's okay and in the final tomorrow for an exciting race."

The Swiss athlete eventually got to her feet and made it through the finish line.

Her chances of making the final rode on an appeal, which was ultimately successful, as it was for Lithaunia's Gabija Galvydyte, who was also brought down.

"I was feeling great but unfortunately I don't know, something happened and then I was on the ground," said Werro.

Jemma Reekie ended up winning the semi in 1:58.61 ahead of Bourgoin, with Switzerland's Veronica Vancardo nabbing the third automatic qualifying spot.

The clash between Hodgkinson and Werro has been touted as one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the championships.

The pair last met at the Stockholm Diamond League in June, when Werro outpaced Hodgkinson, timing 1:53.98 for the victory to become the first woman to dip under 1:54 since 1983.

The Swiss runner then bettered that with a blistering 1:53.80 -- the third fastest time ever -- to win at the Paris Diamond League.

Hodgkinson improved her own British record to 1:54.33 behind Werro in Stockholm. She then went on to win the London Diamond League.

Hodgkinson had broken the 24-year-old world indoor record in Lievin in February before claiming a first world indoor title in March.

Given it will be championship racing, which tends to be more tactical and not a pacesetter-led time-based event, it would be a brave pundit to overlook Broeders-Bol, known in her hurdling days for her devastating turn of pace with the finish line in sight.

Broeders-Bol, who has described herself as the underdog, lacks experience in the discipline, meaning she is not in control of race management -- something she said was also very exciting.

Both Hodgkinson and Werro have been quick to play down any chance that the oldest world record in athletics history could be broken: the 1:53.28 set in 1983