Keely Hodgkinson and Audrey Werro cross the line in the women's 800m. Image accompanying BBC Sport Athletics’ report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
The women's 800m race faced skepticism for decades, removed from the Olympics for 32 years. It returned in 1960, with Ann Brightwell setting a new world record in 1964. Despite initial resistance, the event gained prominence.
Brightwell's record stood until 1967, when Judy Pollock broke it. Christina Boxer-Cahill became the first British woman to run under two minutes in 1979. The 1983 record by Jarmila Kratochvilova remains unbroken, though questioned. Read more racing coverage.
Today, athletes like Audrey Werro and Keely Hodgkinson are pushing the limits. Werro came close to breaking the record, and Hodgkinson believes it's within reach. The women's 800m is now a highlight of major events. Related: London Hosts Major Women's Track-and-Field Event with $1m Prize.
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.
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What should runners know about Women's 800m: A Journey from Controversy to Triumph?
Once deemed too frail, the women's 800m race now captivates the world. The women's 800m race faced skepticism for decades, removed from the Olympics for 32 years. It returned in 1960, with Ann Brightwell setting a new world record in 1964. Despite initial resistance, the event gained prominence.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on September 18, 2026. The underlying BBC Sport Athletics report was dated September 18, 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.
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