It is clear that 2026 has been a breakthrough season for Audrey Werro. In just one year she has knocked an unthinkable 2.21 seconds off her 800m PB to go third on the world all-time list and disrupt the athletics world.
While Werro had a highly successful junior career, winning the European U20 title twice and the European U23 title just last year, for many fans the Swiss athlete came from nowhere this year.
Werro’s indoor season was impressive, yet comparatively humble, and overshadowed by Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson who ran an indoor 800m world record in February. But always close on the Britons shoulder, was Werro. She even stuck with Hodgkinson for much of her world athletics indoor championships record breaking run, taking silver for her efforts.
But come the outdoor season, things were different. With the Stockholm Diamond League the scene of the sudden switch.
Talks of Hodgkinson breaking the world record had been swirling, but on 7 June the athletics world was left stunned. Werro stormed to an unfathomable 1:53.98, moving to third on the all-time list while Hodgkinson finished second in 1:55.33 to go sixth of all-time.
It was a race that changed the trajectory of the whole season for both athletes. But it also shoved Werro directly under the spotlight.
“There has definitely been a change [in people recognising me at home] since I think this spring,” Werro told European Athletics. “Now more people recognise me in the streets or in my country, so it's a little bit different.
“But I think it comes with the great performances, so it's a fact to take, but it also makes me really happy. A lot of people are really respectful in the streets when they find me, so it's no problem for me. It's always a pleasure to take some pictures and to talk for a bit with them.”
Then coming to Birmingham where she won her maiden senior title, defeating close rivals Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol, Werro’s stardom has only exploded further.
Despite the championships being held in Great Britain, Hodgkinson’s home grounds, Werro was still the favourite the win the 800m title. With that hope and expectation came a hoard of Swiss fans that had made the journey to Birmingham to support the nation’s biggest star.
As the pack of 10 athletes made their way around the track, the stadium roared. While most fans were British, the Swiss cross could be seen sprinkled throughout the stands.
Then after her victory lap, Werro made her way through the broadcast media mixed zone that overlooked the now almost empty stadium. But she was far from alone as Swiss fans had made their way round the stands to gather by the mixed zone and chant her name as she did interview after interview.
Once she had made her way through the extensive mixed zone, Werro’s celebrations truly began. She rounded the corner to the fan zone and was greeted by a tunnel of Swiss fans leading her to the stage at Le Gruyère’s stand.
With bells ringing, a sea of Swiss flags, and the star shining under the lights, it was a beautiful end to Werro’s magical night.
“I think it's just crazy having so many people screaming your name and yeah I'm not used to it,” she said. “But it was really great and I'm really, really happy that all the Swiss fans had a great evening so it made me really happy.
“Now when I get back home, I need to celebrate a little bit with my family. But then I need to focus fast because there is some Diamond League meets coming soon. So, I will celebrate for a couple of days and then focus on the training.”
The Lion’s pride and confidence grows
With her boost in performance and confidence on the track, Werro has also come into her own off the track too. From her iconic lion celebration, to sharing her life on social media, the 22-year-old has grown in many ways in 2026.
Werro’s naturally shy persona is fading as her confidence builds, with the effects visible both on and off the track.
The new European 800m champion has become more forward in her goals on the track, not shying too far away from discussions around the world record or winning future titles. But amongst it she also has an aura that omits ‘girl next door’ energy.
She has also become more active on social media this year, particularly TikTok where she gives followers an insight into her personality and life. From fashion to jumping on trends and dancing with friends, her wholesome content reminds you that off the track she is also just a normal 22-year-old woman.
“I really like this platform [TikTok] because I feel like it's a little bit less serious than Instagram,” she explained. “So it's really a pleasure for me to post on TikTok and I think other people also enjoy the little things I do on TikTok. It's so fun.”
Though, her season is not done just yet. Werro is set to defend her title at the Diamond League final in Brussels on 5 September before likely competing at the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
There’s still time for the oldest world record in athletics to be broken in what has already been a dreamy season for Werro.