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Keely Hodgkinson welcomes fresh rivalry as shock silver paves road to Olympic defence

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It takes something special to beat Keely Hodgkinson and Audrey Werro provided it to spoil the latest British coronation at the Alexander Stadium.

These Friday night lights had long been earmarked to shine on the Olympic champion but she knew she would have it far from all her own way against an opponent who clocked the third-fastest time in history when leading Hodgkinson home at the Stockholm Diamond League in June.

Roared on by a capacity crowd, a welcome first sight of one this week, Hodgkinson gave it everything to get her own back but Werro dug deep to cross in a new Championship record of 1:54.81, breaking a mark which had stood since 1982.

Gold medallist Switzerland's Audrey Werro crosses the finish line ahead of silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson
Gold medallist Switzerland’s Audrey Werro crosses the finish line ahead of silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson (Reuters)

Hodgkinson was two-tenths of a second further back with Femke Broeders-Bol, the third realistic contender for gold in a field stacked with quality, taking bronze.

It meant no European hat-trick for the 24-year-old, who was successful in 2022 and 2024, leaving her with “mixed emotions”.

“When you feel like you’ve not put a foot wrong and it was a great race, and really close, I can’t really be too disappointed,” Hodgkinson said.

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“I do think overall (I’m) probably a bit better than that timewise, Audrey would probably say the same thing, but that’s just how the race went.

“We were both really strong, I fought until the end, I thought I was going to have it in the last 50 but ultimately she just had more.

“There were so many ways it could have played out. Audrey wanted to take it on, with that wind I was happy to let her.

“I love a good challenge and that’s what it was.”

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Hodgkinson has not had a straightforward summer. A freak training accident left her with “chunks” taken out her knees but she recovered to win the London Diamond League on home soil.

She skipped the Commonwealth Games, watching on from afar as training partner Georgia Hunter Bell won over two laps, to prioritise her appearance in Birmingham and leaves with no regrets.

“I’m in the shape of my life,” she said. “That’s why I feel I was a bit better than that, I’m a bit disappointed it didn’t come out. There’s not really much I can do.

“I think overall I have had a really good season. I have been met with a few challenges along the way but that’s life, it doesn’t always go the way you envisioned.

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“It’s how you bounce back from that, blocking out the noise and controlling what you can control. I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself this year with how to manage that.

Hodgkinson was reflective in defeat after losing her 800m crown to Werro
Hodgkinson was reflective in defeat after losing her 800m crown to Werro (PA Wire)

“Ultimately, it’s another championship done, another medal added to the collection, and I have to be happy with that. I’m not satisfied but we’ll get there.”

The outcome may not have been what the majority of the crowd were hoping for but the showdown more than lived up to expectations.

This was always billed as the unmissable event of the week and intrigue was only heightened following the semi-final drama which saw Werro take a tumble on the final bend only to be reinstated to the final after a successful appeal.

She showed no ill-effects on the way to conquering the best the continent has to offer and with Broeders-Bol also in the mix, the women’s 800m has the head-to-head narrative all disciplines crave.

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Werro won her first major title and is shaping up to have an epic rivalry with Hodgkinson ahead of the 2028 Olympics
Werro won her first major title and is shaping up to have an epic rivalry with Hodgkinson ahead of the 2028 Olympics (Getty)

The road to LA will be fascinating and the controversial long-standing world record of 1:53.28, set by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983, will be in the sights of all three.

“We’ve had it for quite a few years now in the women’s 800m,” Hodgkinson said.

“There has always been someone popping out and the depth is really good, we’ve seen that through the rounds here.

“It’s really great and it’s going to push on even more. It’s really motivating to be in such a competitive event, I love it.”

:: Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK — from supporting British businesses and individuals’ plans, to powering British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk

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Teenage British cyclist Finlay Tarling dies after tragic incident

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Teenage British cyclist Finlay Tarling died Friday following a tragic incident in the Volta a Portugal race, NSN Cycling Team announced to social media.

Tarling, 19, was run over by a car that entered the road, according to local reports. The driver reportedly missed the signs from stewards and entered the road going in the opposite direction of the race.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today,” NSN Cycling Team said on X. “Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.”

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Finlay Tarling climbs the Tumble Mountain during stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain in Wales.

Finlay Tarling of Israel-Premier Tech climbs the Tumble Mountain during stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain from Pontypool to the Tumble on Sept. 6, 2025, in Wales, United Kingdom. (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

The incident occurred during the eighth stage of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe in northern Portugal. Tarling was immediately attended to by doctors. It wasn’t clear if other riders were involved.

“At this moment of profound dismay, the organization of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones,” organizers said on X.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

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Finlay Tarling presents flowers to his mother before stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain.

Finlay Tarling of Israel-Premier Tech presents his mother with a bunch of flowers ahead of stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain on Sept. 6, 2025, in Pontypool, Wales, United Kingdom. (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

The eighth stage of the race was stopped following the incident “as a sign of respect and mourning,” organizers added.

Portuguese President António José Seguro and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro both sent messages of condolence to the rider’s family.

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Finlay Tarling competes during the 8th stage of the Volta a Portugal 2026 cycling race.

Finlay Tarling of Great Britain and NSN Cycling Team competes during the 8th stage from Melgaco to Fafe of the Volta a Portugal 2026 in Fafe, Portugal, on Aug. 14, 2026. (Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Tarling was the younger brother of Ineos Grenadiers cyclist Joshua Tarling. Tarling represented Great Britain on the road and track. He placed second in Stage 6 of the Tour du Rwanda earlier this year.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chelsea Green’s Future as WWE Women’s Champion Decided; She Sends a Message

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Chelsea Green had the best moment of her career earlier this month. Leaving four other women behind on the ladder, she rose to the top, grabbing the WWE Women’s Championship. However, a week later, she injured her eye socket, and this week came very close to relinquishing the title. In fact, for a moment, she had it given back only for the tide to turn.

Green has now broken the silence after the iconic opening segment on recent SmackDown, where she was called out as still the Women’s Champion. Although that is one condition too, as she’s been given 30 days to recover and likely some leeway not to defend the title, after that it’s up to the authority to decide. Chelsea, in celebration of this, posted two pictures of herself from that very segment on Instagram, along with a caption stating there is no hindrance now.

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“There’s no stopping us now♥️” wrote Green.

Chelsea Green still wore the PERMANENT over INTERIM crossed-out top. Her bruised right eye socket was quite visible, emphasizing the seriousness of her injury. It is fortunate that it was limited to near the eye and not on the eye itself. Still, she managed to convince Nick Aldis, the real person behind the authoritative General Manager role, not to strip her of the championship, to which he agreed. It will be exciting to see how Green will be booked, whether amidst this injury or after she recovers.

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Chelsea Green was confronted by Gunther, and later Matt Cardona came to the rescue

Frustrated by his constant exclusion, Gunther came out on SmackDown to confront Nick Aldis and also took a shot at Chelsea Green. After Aldis added Kevin Owens to the No. 1 Contender’s Match at SummerSlam Night 2, which Owens won, The Ring General took out his anger on Green and her husband, Matt Cardona, whom he disrespected.

What started as a heated verbal back-and-forth turned physical when Gunther mocked Cardona. Enraged by this, Matt charged at the former World Heavyweight Champion, making it an impromptu match. Despite Cardona beginning with a low blow, Gunther quickly dominated the contest and locked in a brutal Boston Crab, forcing Cardona to tap out.

Even after the bell rang, Gunther refused to release his hold, driving Green to tearfully beg for mercy. Gunther finally let go, walking away laughing as Cardona lay beaten and Green wept in the ring.