Audrey Werro defeated Hodgkinson in the women’s 800 meters at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The race was tight throughout, with both athletes pushing hard through the final laps.
Hodgkinson had been a dominant figure in British athletics, having won Olympic gold in Paris just months before, according to The Times of India. She had previously earned silver medals at both the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, becoming a prominent figure in British distance running.
Despite her strong performance in the 800 meters, Werro managed to outpace Hodgkinson to claim gold. Hodgkinson, who is also known for her commercial success with brands like Nike and Omega, expressed her disappointment but remained proud of her efforts.
She had been dealing with a hamstring issue earlier in the year, which affected her training and approach to the race, according to a report from The Independent. Hodgkinson said she wasn’t certain of her medal until the last 200 meters of the event.
She described the final stretch as tough and credited the crowd for helping her push through. The British team also saw success in other events, with Amy Hunt taking gold in the 200 meters, scotsman.com reported.
Hunt, who was born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, made her mark early in her career by breaking the world under-18 record in 2019. The European Championships came just weeks after Glasgow hosted a successful Commonwealth Games.
Birmingham’s hosting of the event marked a major moment for British athletics this summer. Hodgkinson’s net worth increased significantly since her Olympic success in Paris.
She has signed major deals with global brands including Nike and Vitality. Nike helped her launch a collaborative line earlier this year.
Hodgkinson has also earned prize money from various competitions, though athletics typically offers lower payouts than sports like football or tennis. Her recent performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in March showed her return to form after a period of injury.
Despite the setback in Birmingham, Hodgkinson remains one of Britain’s most marketable athletes. Her consistent success, major championship medals and new commercial partnerships are expected to boost her financial status ahead of the LA28 Olympics.
Werro’s win in the 800 meters was a highlight of the championships, showing that competition at the top level remains fierce. British athletes continue to perform strongly on the international stage, with both individual and team achievements drawing attention.
The event in Birmingham showcased not only athletic excellence but also the growing influence of British athletes in global sports.
IMAGE: Athletissima 2022 – Women’s 800m. Photo: Johann Conus / Wikimedia, taken 2022-08-26, CC BY-SA 4.0