Matt Hudson-Smith is preparing to compete at the European Athletics Championships, which begin tomorrow and run through next Sunday at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. The Wolverhampton-born 400 meters specialist aims to build on his successful career by securing a fifth European gold medal and establishing a lasting legacy in British athletics.
Alexander Stadium, with a capacity of 18,000, is hosting the European Championships for the first time in the UK, and Hudson-Smith, who has had a stand named in his honor there, will return to the home of his first athletics club as he takes to the track. The 31-year-old, who holds the European record in the 400m, described his focus not only as winning but also as inspiring others by demonstrating what is achievable.
“In a sense, I’ve got the medals and the records. For me now, it’s more about legacy, showing people it can be done,” Hudson-Smith said. “The goal is to win. That’s the same every time I step onto the track. But we already have a rich 400m history with runners such as Roger Black, Derek Redmond and Martyn Rooney, and I want to leave my own imprint and show we are a sprinting nation.”
Hudson-Smith recently claimed his sixth national 400m title at the UK Championships in Birmingham, finishing in 44.45 seconds ahead of competitors Ben Jefferies and Charlie Dobson. However, his path to this point has not been without setbacks. The Olympic silver medallist missed the UK event last year and did not advance to the final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past season, Hudson-Smith said he faced complications due to personal circumstances and injury. “I was world No.1, it was a whirlwind. I was at the hospital bed for five days due to my wife giving birth, and when I got to the Worlds, I was injured. I went in compromised, from world No.1 to hardly making it out of the semi-final, which was tough. But it’s part of the sport really,” he explained.
With full fitness restored, the Birchfield Harrier emphasized the importance of making a strong statement at this year’s European event. “My coach said I needed to make a statement coming into the Europeans to show that I’m back. I am excited to represent Great Britain and my family and I’ll put on a show at the Europeans,” he said.
Hudson-Smith expressed optimism for a strong British presence in the 400m final, hoping for a podium sweep with himself leading. He also highlighted his deep connection to his hometown region, saying, “The city, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, has done so much for me and it’s home. If we had good weather, I would never leave. It means the world to me to come back here, run and just show my talents to the kids here.”
For Hudson-Smith, competing on home soil represents more than just a chance for medals. It is an opportunity to inspire the next generation and cement his own legacy within British athletics. “For me, it’s like, ‘How can I impact people?’ I just want to give back and create my own legacy.”