The 2026 Meeting de l’Eure Crédit Mutuel, held on February 1 at the Stade couvert Jesse Owens in Val-de-Reuil, France, was a spectacle of athletic prowess on the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver circuit. This indoor track and field event drew top talents from around the globe, resulting in a cascade of national records, personal bests, and meeting records. From blistering sprints to endurance feats and explosive field events, the night was packed with drama and excellence. Here’s a deep dive into the standout performances that lit up the arena.
Men’s 400m: Bengtström’s Commanding Victory
In the Men’s 400m B race, Sweden’s Carl Bengtström delivered a masterclass in control and speed, clocking 46.09 to set a new meeting record. Starting strong and maintaining his lead through the bends, Bengtström fended off challenges to secure the win. Close behind, France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta shattered his personal best with 46.26, marking a remarkable two-second improvement. Morocco’s Younes Chattoui rounded out the podium at 46.30, his season’s best. This race highlighted the importance of early positioning in the 400m, with Bengtström’s strategic pacing proving unbeatable.
Men’s 800m: Gouaned’s Lifetime Best
The Men’s 800m A final saw Algeria’s Mohamed Ali Gouaned surge to victory in 1:45.10, establishing a new meeting record and his indoor lifetime best. Under new rules keeping runners in lanes for the first two bends to minimize collisions, Gouaned executed a negative split strategy, pulling away in the final 200m. France’s Corentin Le Clezio took silver in 1:46.90, while Kenya’s Nicholas Kiplangat Kebenei claimed bronze with a personal best of 1:47.34. In the B race, Kenya’s Alex Ngeno Kipngetich edged out Morocco’s Abdelati El Guesse in a tight finish, 1:46.57 to 1:46.68.
Women’s 800m: Werro’s World-Leading Swiss Record
Switzerland’s 21-year-old sensation Audrey Werro stole the show in the Women’s 800m, smashing the Swiss indoor national record with a world-leading 1:57.49. As a former European U20 champion and world U20 silver medalist, Werro benefited from a fast pace set early, clearing the field and chasing her own shadow to the finish. France’s Clara Liberman achieved a personal best of 2:00.42 for second, and Italy’s Eloisa Coiro posted 2:00.53 for third. Werro’s performance, her first since the world championships five months prior, underscores her high-intensity training regimen and rising star status.
Women’s 60m Hurdles: Keskitalo’s Lifetime Best
The Women’s 60m Hurdles final was a photo-finish thriller, with Finland’s Saara Keskitalo edging out the competition in 7.95, a new lifetime best. France’s Laeticia Bapte matched the time but settled for silver due to reaction time, while USA’s Alaysha Johnson took bronze in 7.96. The race featured razor-thin margins, showcasing the explosive starts and technical precision required in hurdles.
Women’s Shot Put: Schilder’s Dominant Throw
In the field events, Netherlands’ Jessica Schilder reigned supreme in the Women’s Shot Put, launching 19.78m on her sixth attempt to seal the victory. Sweden’s Fanny Roos followed with 18.29m, and Finland’s Emilie Kangas hit a personal best of 17.89m for third. Schilder’s consistency across rounds made this a highlight of power and technique.
Women’s Mile: Guillemot’s Solo French Record
France’s Agathe Guillemot turned the Women’s Mile into a solo showcase, breaking away early and clocking 4:23.27 to shatter the French indoor national record and set a meeting record. The European indoor champion and Paris Olympics finalist maintained sub-33-second laps, gapping the field by over 20 meters. Norway’s Anne Gine Løvnes (4:32.66) and Sweden’s Julia Nielsen (4:32.89) completed the podium. Guillemot’s grit, smiling through the final push, epitomized endurance racing at its finest.
Women’s Triple Jump: Pérez Hernández’s World Lead
Cuba’s Leyanis Pérez Hernández, the reigning world indoor and outdoor champion, soared to a world-leading 14.65m in the second round of the Women’s Triple Jump. Senegal’s Saly Sarr reached 14.22m for silver, and Germany’s Caroline Joyeux hit 13.82m for bronze. Pérez Hernández’s effortless floats across the runway confirmed her dominance in the event.
Men’s 60m Hurdles: Menendez’s Cuban Triumph
Wrapping up the hurdles action, Cuba’s 19-year-old Kendry Menendez claimed gold in the Men’s 60m Hurdles with 7.57, a personal best. USA’s Eric Edwards (7.59) and France’s Wilhem Belocian (7.61) followed closely in a blanket finish. Menendez, holder of the Cuban U20 outdoor national record, signals a bright future for the young hurdler.
A Night to Remember
The 2026 Meeting de l’Eure Crédit Mutuel wasn’t just about times and distances—it was a celebration of international athletics, blending emerging talents with seasoned pros. With multiple national records (Swiss, French, and more) and world leads, this event sets a high bar for the indoor season. Fans can relive the excitement through highlights from European Athletics. Stay tuned for more action on the World Athletics Indoor Tour!
