- Keely Hodgkinson safely progressed to the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships by winning her semi-final in a time of 1:57.38 on Thursday, keeping her on track for another major international medal.
- Netherlands athlete Femke Broeders-Bol finished just behind Hodgkinson to secure automatic qualification, as she looked comfortable despite stepping up from her customary 400m hurdles event this season.
- World leader and favourite Audrey Werro suffered a dramatic fall on the final bend of her semi-final after being clipped, eventually finishing last in order to remain eligible to appeal to race officials, and she was subsequently granted a place in the final.
- Britain's Jemma Reekie won the first semi-final in 1:58.61 to qualify alongside Anais Bourgoin and Veronica Vancardo, while Lithuania's Gabija Galvydyte was advanced to the final by referees after also falling in the incident.
- Following her race, Hodgkinson voiced sympathy for Werro and stated that she thrives on high-level competition, expressing hopes for a clean final at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
IN FULL
Keely Hodgkinson eases into 800m final but hot favourite Audrey Werro suffers shock fall
