Audrey Werro to Sportal.bg: I'm confident the 800m world record will fall next year

Audrey Werro enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign on the track, rightfully earning the prestigious European Athlete of the Year award. She received the accolade at a special gala in Lausanne on Saturday. Werro was named Europe's Rising Star last year, an honor claimed this year by Bulgaria's Viktoriya Angelova.

Werro, who now stands as the third-fastest woman in 800m history, spoke in an exclusive interview with Sportal.bg following the ceremony in Switzerland.

- Audrey, last year you were Europe's Rising Star, and now you are European Athlete of the Year. How does it feel?
- It feels amazing to win this award. It's true that last year I was the Rising Star, so to come back and take the main prize is wonderful. I'm really enjoying this evening.

- You won the award on home soil, close to your hometown. Does that make it extra special?
- Yes, it's very special to win this in Lausanne because I live just an hour away, so it truly feels like home. I love this place; it's my first time at this venue and it's really lovely.

- It was a whirlwind year for you. Did you expect it to turn out like this?
- I certainly didn't expect such incredible times this year. My goal at the start of the season was simply to lower my 800m personal best, without any exact expectations. Running 1:53 was a massive surprise. At the same time, I was so happy because I worked exceptionally hard to achieve it.

- You came agonizingly close to the world record. Do you believe you and your rivals will be ready to break it soon?
- Yes, I'm almost certain the world record will fall next year. Whether by me or another 800m runner, because I think all three of us (ed. note: Werro, Keely Hodgkinson, and Femke Bol) are in incredible form. I hope to see the record rewritten very soon.

- Last year you predicted that Femke Bol would excel in the 800m, and she proved you right. How do you feel about the competition with her, Keely Hodgkinson, and the rest of the field?
- It's great having that rivalry between us. For me, it's much better when you're not unchallenged at the top, because it constantly pushes us to our limits. We know nothing is guaranteed and there's always work to be done. It's a fantastic dynamic.

- What is your main objective for next season?
- My primary focus for next season will be both the European Indoor Championships and the World Athletics Championships outdoors. I simply want to win some medals.