- Home favourite Keely Hodgkinson made a winning start to her bid for European Championships glory on Tuesday.
- The 800m Olympic champion eased to victory in her heat to book her place in the semi-finals at the championships, which are being held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.
- Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, the third-fastest woman ever over 800 metres, also won her own heat, ahead of what promises to be a mouthwatering final later this week.
- Dutch star Femke Broeders-Bol was also victorious in her heat after stepping up from the 400m hurdles to the 800m this season, as she looks to challenge Hodgkinson and Werro.
- Hodgkinson was in a positive mood after her run, telling the BBC that the high standard of competition “brings out the best in me”.
