At the London Diamond League meeting held on 19 July 2025, British middle-distance runner Georgia Hunter Bell delivered an impressive victory in the women’s 800 metres, clocking a personal best time of 1:56.74. This win marked a significant achievement on home soil, where she finished ahead of American Addison Wiley and Ugandan Halimah Nakaayi, in front of a lively and supportive crowd.

Hunter Bell’s performance at this event is part of a growing trend in her career, as she increasingly focuses on the 800 metres race. Earlier in the 2025 season, she raised eyebrows by overtaking Kenya’s world champion Mary Moraa to win the 800 metres at the prestigious BAUHAUS-galan meeting in Stockholm with a time of 1:57.66. This victory was a statement of intent, showing her capability to challenge the best in the world at this distance. Following this, after finishing sixth in the 1500 metres at the Paris Diamond League in June 2025, she expressed a clear preference to concentrate her efforts on the 800 metres going forward.

Hunter Bell’s ascent in the 800 metres comes on the back of an already distinguished middle-distance career. Born on 17 October 1993, she has long been recognized for her versatility and talent across both the 800 and 1500 metres. Her personal bests stand at an impressive 1:56.28 in the 800 metres and 3:52.61 in the 1500 metres. Notably, she earned a bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the 2024 Olympic Games and a silver medal at the European Championships, underlining her consistency at the highest level of competition.

The London Diamond League meeting itself was marked by a thrilling array of performances despite damp conditions. Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville sensationally defeated reigning Olympic champion Noah Lyles in the 100 metres with a time of 9.86 seconds, while Julien Alfred of St. Lucia set a meeting record of 21.71 seconds in the women’s 200 metres. Kenya’s 18-year-old Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech triumphed in the men’s 1500 metres, and Mykolas Alekna set a new Diamond League discus record with a throw of 71.70 metres. Amid this high-level competition, Hunter Bell’s victory helped highlight Britain’s strong showing at the event, alongside Charlie Dobson’s surprise win in the men’s 400 metres.

Hunter Bell’s steady rise in the 800 metres, marked by personal bests and increasingly prominent wins, complements a strong middle-distance field globally, where young talents and established champions continuously push the limits. Her decision to prioritise the 800 metres this season could position her as a major contender on the international circuit, especially with the endurance and tactical speed she has demonstrated. The London win is likely to bolster her confidence as she targets further success in Diamond League meets and major championships in the months ahead.

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Source: Noah Wire Services