Matt Hudson-Smith won a brilliant gold medal in the men's 400 metres at the 2026 European Athletics Championships, which are being held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. The 31-year-old from Wolverhampton crossed the line in 44.33 seconds, a championship record and the fastest time run by a European this year.
Hudson-Smith, who had already won Olympic silver and world bronze over the distance, led from the start and held off a strong challenge from Norway's Håvard Bentdal Ingvaldsen, who took silver in 44.68 seconds. Belgium's Kevin Borlée finished third in 44.98 seconds.
A Dominant Performance on Home Soil
The victory was particularly sweet for Hudson-Smith, who was competing in front of a home crowd for the first time since winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He said afterwards: “It means everything to win here in Birmingham. The crowd was incredible, and I wanted to put on a show for them. I knew I had the speed, and I executed my race plan perfectly.”
Hudson-Smith's time of 44.33 seconds is the third fastest of his career, behind only his British record of 43.44 seconds set in 2024 and his 44.31 seconds run at the 2023 World Championships. It also broke the championship record previously held by his coach, Roger Black, who won the European title in 1998 with a time of 44.52 seconds.
British Success Continues at the Championships
The gold medal was Great Britain's third of the championships, following victories by Daryll Neita in the women's 100 metres and the men's 4x100 metre relay team. It also continued a remarkable week for British athletics, with several other athletes reaching finals and medal positions.
Hudson-Smith's victory was part of a strong day for the host nation, with Laura Muir taking silver in the women's 1500 metres and the women's 4x400 metre relay team also securing a medal. The championships, which are taking place from 9 to 15 June, have seen record crowds at the Alexander Stadium, with over 30,000 spectators attending the first four days of competition.
Looking Ahead to the World Championships
The European title adds to Hudson-Smith's impressive medal collection, which includes Olympic silver, world bronze, and now two European golds, having previously won the European title in 2022. He will now turn his attention to the World Championships in Tokyo in September, where he will be one of the favourites for the 400 metres title.
Hudson-Smith's coach, Roger Black, said: “Matt has been in incredible form all season, and this performance shows he is ready to challenge for the world title. He has matured as an athlete and is running with great confidence.” The victory also boosts Britain's hopes in the 4x400 metre relay, with Hudson-Smith expected to anchor the team in both the heats and the final.
The European Athletics Championships continue until Sunday, with several more British athletes in action, including Josh Kerr in the 1500 metres and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the heptathlon.
