Olympic 400m silver medallist Matt Hudson-Smith has revealed his ambition to become Birmingham's mayor after securing the city's successful bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 29-year-old athlete, who won silver at the Paris Olympics, said he wants to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, former mayor Andy Street.
Athlete's Mayoral Ambition
Speaking after the announcement, Hudson-Smith said: "I want to become mayor. I think I can do a good job. I've got the passion and the drive." He credited his experience as an athlete with giving him the discipline and teamwork skills needed for political leadership.
Hudson-Smith, who was born in Wolverhampton but grew up in Birmingham, has been a vocal supporter of the city's sporting community. He has previously worked with local youth groups and has been an advocate for increasing sports participation in schools.
Birmingham 2026 Win
The announcement that Birmingham would host the 2026 Commonwealth Games came after a competitive bidding process. Hudson-Smith played a key role in the bid, attending presentations and lobbying officials. He said: "I'm so proud of Birmingham. This is a huge moment for the city."
The Games are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, with estimates suggesting a boost of over £1 billion to the local economy. The event will also create thousands of jobs and improve sporting infrastructure.
Political Future
Hudson-Smith has not yet confirmed which party he would represent, but he has expressed admiration for Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of the West Midlands. Street has been a strong supporter of the athlete's career and has mentored him on business and community issues.
When asked about his political leanings, Hudson-Smith said: "I'm not really into party politics. I just want to do what's best for Birmingham." He added that he would make a final decision about running for mayor after the 2026 Games.
The next mayoral election for the West Midlands is scheduled for 2024, but Hudson-Smith said he would not stand until after the Commonwealth Games. He said: "My focus right now is on the Games and on my athletics career. But after that, who knows?"
Hudson-Smith's announcement has been met with interest from political observers, who note that his profile could attract younger voters. His success on the track, including a world championship bronze in 2023, has made him one of the most recognisable athletes in the region.
As he prepares for the upcoming athletics season, Hudson-Smith remains committed to his training but is already thinking about his post-athletics career. He said: "I've achieved a lot in sport, but I want to make a difference off the track too."
