William Hill has set Keely Hodgkinson as a 2/1 second favorite for the women's 800m gold at the European Athletics Championship in Birmingham. Switzerland's Audrey Werro is the favorite at 4/7. Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, has a season best of 1:54.33.

Should Hodgkinson win gold and break the world record, the odds are 9/1. Werro's season-long form has her within half a second of the world record. The first round of the women's 800m begins on August 10 at Alexander Stadium. Read more racing coverage.

Behind the top contenders, there is depth in the field. Anaïs Bourgoin, Rénelle Lamote, and Clara Liberman are among those with strong chances. However, the unpredictability of the 800m race means anything can happen. Related: Hodgkinson Aims for European Gold on Home Turf.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.