Matthew Hudson-Smith (born October 26, 1994) is a British track and field athlete who has established himself as a dominant force in the grueling 400 meters sprint. He holds both the British and European records for the distance, solidifying his position as one of the fastest quarter-milers in the world.Born in Wolverhampton, England, Hudson-Smith's athletic journey began at a young age. He joined his local athletics club, Birchfield Harriers, in 2006, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for sprinting. Early on, he found success at the junior level, winning medals in both the 200 meters and the 4x400m relay at the 2013 European Junior Championships.
In 2014, Hudson-Smith transitioned his focus primarily to the 400 meters. This shift proved to be a turning point in his career. He quickly made a name for himself on the international stage, participating in the 4x400m relay at the 2014 Commonwealth Games for England and claiming a silver medal in the individual 400m at the European Championships in Zurich.Hudson-Smith has consistently reached the podium at major championships throughout his career. He secured a European Championship gold medal in the 400m in 2018 and has been a member of gold medal-winning 4x400m relay teams at both the European Championships (2014) and Commonwealth Games (2014).A significant highlight arrived in 2023 when he shattered the long-standing British 400m record with a blistering time of 44.26 seconds at the Budapest World Championships.
He further etched his name in history in May 2024 by lowering the record again to an impressive 44.07 seconds at the Oslo Bislett Games, simultaneously setting a new European record.Despite his achievements at other major competitions, Hudson-Smith has yet to medal at the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a setback that undoubtedly fueled his determination for future success.
Matthew Hudson-Smith's current personal best in the 400 meters is an impressive 44.07 seconds, which he achieved at the Oslo Bislett Games in May 2024. This time not only stands as his personal best but also holds the distinction of being the British and European record for the distance.
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