Hodgkinson, Werro sail through Euro 800m qualifying

BIRMINGHAM: Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson safely negotiated the heats of the 800m in Birmingham on Tuesday as she seeks a third consecutive European title.
Home favorite Hodgkinson, who previously won continental crowns in Munich in 2022 and Rome two years ago, timed 1min 57.28sec to win her heat.
“The championship is a fresh start. It felt good.

The standard has gone up. That was one minute 57 in the heats!” said Hodgkinson.
“We are dragging the best out of each other and the standard keeps getting higher and higher, but it brings out the best in me.”
Hodgkinson added: “I felt really good.

I’m so glad the race was a bit quicker. I felt it was at a similar rhythm to when I train.

I’m glad because sometimes a slower race can feel awful.
“I just got back from Portugal so I feel great. I got a nice tan there and had some relaxation time, which is always needed.