‘It Was Crazy’: Werro Storms to 1:53.70 World Lead in Zurich, Eyes World Record

Switzerland’s Audrey Werro produced a sensational performance at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday, powering to victory in the women’s 800m in a world-leading 1:53.70.

The run gave Werro a Diamond League record, Swiss record and meeting record.

‘It was crazy, I am very proud. Thank you everybody. I am getting better and better and I am simply very motivated. I achieved my goals for this year, so now everything is for fun,’ Werro said after the race.

Werro revealed that winning in Zurich again was an important objective after last year’s victory, adding that she was determined to deliver in front of the home crowd.

‘Last year I won the Diamond League race here and so it was very important for me to win again here,’ she said.

The 26-year-old also came agonisingly close to the world record, admitting that she saw the target during the race but the hectic nature of the contest made it difficult to maintain a perfect rhythm.

‘As far as the world record is concerned, I saw the light, but there was a lot of movement during the race and it was not calm. But I still had enough energy at the end of the race to accelerate and to stay in the lead,’ Werro explained.

Although the world record eluded her, Werro believes her ability to consistently run under 1:54 is a major indication of what could be possible in the future.

‘Yes, it was tight for the WR, it was not meant for today. I am so proud to be able to run those sub-1:54 times, which shows that I can run consistently and fast now and this is good for the future,’ she said.