How the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage
After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"My husband, who was my fiance then, said to me, 'you don't realise what you've done'."
— Ann Brightwell (nee Packer) , Athlete
"Men weren't happy about women competing in these very high profile events…we were considered too frail and too delicate."
— Ann Brightwell (nee Packer) , Athlete
"Records are great and medals are the best, but when you break a barrier it's a fantastic feeling."
— Christina Boxer-Cahill (nee Boxer) , Athlete
Key People
First British woman to win Olympic gold on the track.
Audrey Werro is a Swiss athlete and European Under-23 champion.
Athlete who broke the two-minute barrier in the women's 800m.
Keely Hodgkinson is a British middle-distance runner who recently broke the women's indoor 800m world record.
Locations
All Coverage
After making its debut at the 1928 Olympics, the women's 800m was cut from the programme. Now, it's often billed as the must-see event of major athletics championships. So, how did we get here?
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Ngetich breaks women-only half-marathon record
Kenya's Agnes Ngetich breaks the world record for a women-only half marathon as she wins gold at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.
September 20, 2026 at 10:55 AMKenya's Ngetich breaks women-only half marathon world record by a second - reuters.com
Kenya's Ngetich breaks women-only half marathon world record by a second reuters.com
September 20, 2026 at 11:08 AMMum's viral barefoot race sparks debate over India's education crisis
Unprepared and in flip-flops, the 47-year-old widow ran 3km to try secure her daughter's future.
September 19, 2026 at 11:18 PMVollering wins women's road race world title
Demi Vollering continues her remarkable season with a thrilling victory in the women's road race in Montreal.
September 26, 2026 at 08:36 PMAfter deaths of nine women, South Africans gather to run, mourn and demand change - Reuters
After deaths of nine women, South Africans gather to run, mourn and demand change Reuters
September 19, 2026 at 10:49 AMAsian Games open in Nagoya with glitzy ceremony after troubled buildup - Reuters
Asian Games open in Nagoya with glitzy ceremony after troubled buildup Reuters
September 19, 2026 at 11:32 AM