Swiss runner Werro closes in on historic 800m mark
Audrey Werro, a 22-year-old Swiss athlete, has become a dominant force in the 800m, winning the European title and recording the third-fastest time ever. Her 1:53.80 run in Paris is the best since the 1983 world record, which she now trails by just over half a second. She headlines the Zurich Diamond League this week, having previously defeated Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.
Werro's ascent has been remarkably swift, moving from 101st to 29th on the all-time 800m list within a single summer season. Her European Championship victory in Birmingham came despite a semi-final fall, with video review overturning her apparent elimination. She then ran a front-running race, breaking a championship record that had stood since 1982.
Her background includes two European under-20 gold medals and a world silver at age 18. She turned professional only last year after completing her studies, and her progression has included revising her own Swiss record three times in three months during the 2025 season.
Werro's pursuit of a 43-year-old world record could revitalize public interest in middle-distance running, particularly among younger audiences who may see a contemporary athlete challenging a mark long considered untouchable. Her rivalry with Hodgkinson may elevate the women's 800m into a marquee event, potentially boosting broadcast ratings and sponsorship for the discipline. In Switzerland, her success could inspire a new generation of track athletes, while her rapid rise may prompt discussions about how young runners transition from age-group success to senior competition.