Audrey Werro. Image accompanying BBC Sport Athletics’ report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
European champion Audrey Werro nearly broke the 800m world record in Zurich, finishing just four tenths of a second behind the mark. The Swiss runner clocked 1:53.70, the third-fastest time in history. Despite the miss, Werro's performance shows her potential to break the record soon.
Werro was cheered on by a 25,000-strong crowd, running almost in stride with the pacing lights set for a world record. She overtook Femke Broeders-Bol in the final stretch but couldn't match the pace needed to beat the record. Werro remains optimistic about her future performances. Read more racing coverage.
Two new world records were set in Zurich. Brazil's Alison dos Santos broke the 400m hurdles record with a time of 45.80 seconds, while American Masai Russell set a new 100m hurdles record of 12.09 seconds. These achievements highlight the high level of competition in the event. Related: Masai Russell sets new 100m hurdles world record in Zurich.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from BBC Sport Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Werro Closes in on 800m World Record in Zurich?
Audrey Werro narrowly misses the 800m world record, but sets a new personal best. European champion Audrey Werro nearly broke the 800m world record in Zurich, finishing just four tenths of a second behind the mark. The Swiss runner clocked 1:53.70, the third-fastest time in history. Despite the miss, Werro's performance shows her potential to break the record soon.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 27, 2026. The underlying BBC Sport Athletics report was dated August 27, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from BBC Sport Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.