Matthew Hudson-Smith

Matthew Hudson-Smith, born on October 26, 1994, in Wolverhampton, England, commenced his athletics career by joining Birchfield Harriers in 2006. Initially competing in various events, he shifted his focus to sprints from 2008, concentrating on the 200 meters in 2010 and 2011. He was a runner-up at the English Schools Championships in the 200m in 2011 and 2012, eventually winning the title in 2013 after overcoming hamstring injuries and illness. During this period, he pursued an AASE Apprenticeship at Loughborough College and later studied Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Worcester, balancing his education with athletic training.

In the 2014 season, Hudson-Smith transitioned to the 400m under coach Tony Hadley. He significantly improved his personal best from 48.76 seconds to 44.97 seconds at the Glasgow Grand Prix, making him one of the few British teenagers to run under 45 seconds. This breakthrough year saw him represent England at the Commonwealth Games, where he secured a gold medal in the 4x400m relay by running the fastest split in the final leg. He also earned a silver medal in the individual 400m at the 2014 European Athletics Championships in Zürich. His Olympic debut at Rio 2016 saw him finish eighth in the 400m final and compete in the 4x400m relay.

Hudson-Smith continued to achieve significant milestones throughout his career. He won a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay at the 2017 World Championships and, after moving to Florida to train with esteemed coaches like Lance Brauman, secured gold in the 400m and silver in the 4x400m relay at the 2018 European Championships. Following a period of injury, he broke the British national record in the 400m in 2022, securing bronze at the World Championships, two gold medals at the European Championships (400m and 4x400m relay), and a silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. In 2024, he achieved a silver medal in the 400m at the Paris Olympics, setting a new European record of 43.44 seconds, and a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay. He further committed to the inaugural Grand Slam Track season founded by Michael Johnson in October 2024, winning the men’s long-sprints title at the Kingston Slam in April 2025.