After finishing just shy of the medals in 2024 and then making it on to the podium in 2025, Georgia Hunter Bell graduated to the top of the podium in the women’s 1500m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26.

The Briton kept her cool in a race where Birke Haylom ran away from the field in the first half. The Ethiopian powered through 400m in 1:02.32 and 800m in 2:05.30, by which point she had a 3.31-second lead over the rest of the field.

Hunter Bell and Australia’s Jessica Hull led the chase pack, which was operating at a swift pace, but still some way off catching Haylom.

They kept their cool, though, and started to make inroads with each lap. With 400 metres to go, Haylom’s lead was down to 2.20 seconds with Hunter Bell, Hull and European indoor champion Agathe Guillemot chasing hard.

Hunter Bell finally caught Haylom with just under a lap to go. The Briton hit the front and brought Hull, Guillemot and USA’s Nikki Hiltz with her. With the finish line in sight, no one could catch the Briton, who crossed the line in a world-leading 3:58.53.

Hull, who had earned bronze in the 3000m 24 hours prior, bagged silver with an Oceanian indoor record of 3:59.45 and Hiltz took bronze in an indoor PB of 3:59.68. Guillemot, who was caught just before the finish line, missed out on a medal but was rewarded with a French indoor record of 3:59.71.

“This victory is so sweet,” said Hunter Bell, the world 800m silver medallist and Olympic 1500m bronze medallist. “It’s such a relief to win a gold medal. I knew I had to prepare mentally before coming here as a favourite. Last year in Apeldoorn (at the European Indoor Championships) I was fourth so I am really happy I progressed and I’m really proud of myself to stay calm.”

Jon Mulkeen for World Athletics

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