- The Briton ran a European record of 43.44 but still fell painfully short
- The disappointment comes after silver at the 2023 World Cup and bronze in 2022
- The 29-year-old led with just a few metres to go, but American Quincy Hall passed him
Matthew Hudson-Smith has secured silver for the British team in the men’s 400 metres final at the Paris Olympics after a thrilling race.
The 29-year-old started the match at the Stade de France in high spirits, after convincing performances in the semi-finals and preliminary rounds.
But after entering the final straight first, the finish line did not come quickly enough for the runner and he was overtaken at the last moment by American Quincy Hall, despite having set a European record of 43.44 seconds.
The near-victory is a disappointment for Wolverhampton’s Hudson-Smith, who won silver at the 2023 world championships and bronze in 2022.
But the Englishman produced an impeccable performance, with a time that broke his personal best, and he can hold his head high after winning silver in a strong field.
Matthew Hudson-Smith has secured silver for Team GB in the men’s 400 metres final at the Paris Olympics
The 29-year-old entered the race at the Stade de France with a good feeling, after convincing performances in the semi-finals and heats
But after entering the final straight first, the finish line didn’t come quickly enough for the rider
A century after Eric Liddell won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics that inspired the film Chariots of Fire, Hudson-Smith was hoping to repeat the feat tonight under the floodlights of the Stade de France.
The Briton made a strong start but was closely followed by Grenada’s Kirani James in the next lane, while Jereem Richards shot out early in the lane.
Hudson-Smith then pushed on and took the lead, holding it until there were just a few metres to go before losing it brutally to Hall.
James and Richards were in contention throughout the race, but Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga took bronze after being a hot contender for a medal before the race.
Together with Hall, he had the strongest second half of the race, with a number of runners improving their personal bests, including the American’s 43.40.
After the race, the British contender screamed in frustration before running towards the champion to congratulate him.
He then burst into tears as he reflected on the final with friends and family. But once things calm down, the runner will realise he has won silver in one of the fastest 400m races in recent history.
After the race, two-time world 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson told the BBC: ‘We feel for Matt Hudson-Smith. He looked like he did everything just right.
‘He was 100 percent in the lead until 399 meters, but all respect to Qunicy Hall.
‘He never gave up. At the exact crucial moment he found that extra gear, that little bit of charge.’
Meanwhile, four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson praised his compatriot Hall after a great performance.
The near-victory is a disappointment for the Wolverhampton-based Briton, who won bronze at the 2022 World Championships and silver in 2023.
But the Englishman put in an impeccable performance, finishing in a fast time of 43.44, breaking his personal best.
A century after Eric Liddell’s gold medal at the Paris Olympics, which inspired the film Chariots of Fire, Hudson-Smith hoped to repeat the feat
After the race, the British hopeful driver screamed in frustration before rushing over to congratulate the champion
Once the dust settles, the runner will realize he has won silver in one of the fastest 400m races in recent history
He said, ‘Quincy Hall is such a finisher. He did the exact same thing at the U.S. Olympic Championships.
“Look at the face, look at the power. He’s a closer. He’s raw, not the best technique at the end of the race. But he does what he does.
Last year I decided to switch from the 400m hurdles to the 400m flat and it has paid off.’
