Georgia Hunter Bell secured her first global title with a superb victory in the women’s 1500m final at the Kujawy Pomorze 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships on Sunday (22).
Since returning to full-time athletics in 2024, Hunter Bell has established herself as one of the most consistent performers in middle-distance running. Her rapid rise has included Olympic 1500m bronze, European 1500m silver, world indoor 1500m bronze and world 800m silver.
This latest triumph caps a remarkable two-year period for the British athlete, once again highlighting her tactical intelligence on the track.
Hunter Bell chases down Haylom
Ethiopia’s Birke Haylom set a blistering early pace, opening up a 50-metre lead across the opening two laps. Unfazed, Hunter Bell remained composed at the head of the chasing pack, closely shadowed by Australia’s Jessica Hull—silver medallist in the 3000m on Saturday—and France’s European indoor champion Agathe Guillemot.
As the field approached the bell, Haylom’s early effort began to take its toll. She was reeled in shortly after, with Hunter Bell seizing control of the race. Her decisive surge stretched the field, leaving Hull and Guillemot struggling to respond.
Rounding the final bend, Hunter Bell kicked again, powering away to claim gold in a world-leading and championship record time of 3:58.53. Hull took silver in 3:59.45.
Behind them, Guillemot was narrowly denied bronze by just 0.04 seconds as USA’s Nikki Hiltz edged ahead, though the French athlete set a national record of 3:59.71 in consolation.