Matt Hudson-Smith takes bronze in 400m at World Championships

It's the 27-year-old from Wolverhampton's first World Championship medal.

Author: Maddy BullPublished 23rd Jul 2022

Matt Hudson-Smith has won his first Wold Championship medal, claiming 400m bronze in Oregon.

The European champion finished behind USA's Michael Norman and Kirani James of Grenada, who took silver, clocking 44.66 seconds.

His gutsy run saw him hold off the USA's Champion Allison in the final 50m.

The 27-year-old said:

"That was mad," he said. "I knew that everyone who was going to medal was on the inside (of him) and I just went (for it). The game plan went out of the window, I just ran. It felt like a weight was on my back (in the last 100m).

"I then felt Wayde and Champion on my outside and I was like 'hang on for dear life'. I knew I was close enough to Kirani where I thought I could get him but at the same time I knew there was another person on the outside of me so I was 'please hang on' and I got a medal."

Hudson-Smith revealed before the championships he was ready to quit athletics in 2014 and had applied for the Army while he was working in Asda.

Hudson-Smith has overcome Achilles, hamstring and hip injuries which have wrecked his hopes on the track since 2019 and, after winning his medal in America, bravely detailed the battle which saw him try to end his life.

He added: "I had huge mental health issues in 2021. Not a lot of people know this, but I literally attempted suicide.

"I was racing knowing I was hurt all the time, going to races knowing I'm not 100 per cent. I couldn't do the Olympics for several reasons.

"Everyone who has been around me, from my agent, to my coach, family, my girlfriend, honestly... a lot of people would have cracked, it's just having the best support.

"During Covid I was stuck in America by myself. I love America, but I wanted to be with my family. It was tough.

"It's been an emotional rollercoaster. Imagine stepping on the line knowing you're hurt. You have a whole load of pressure because everyone expects a lot from you. You expect a lot from yourself.

"I made the decision in 2017 that I didn't want to be one of those what-if people. I wanted to make the big step to get a medal. Really and truly I could have stayed in Birmingham. I love Birmingham.

"I never thought I'd leave Birmingham. When I moved it was now or never. You don't want to look back and think 'I could have done this or that'."

It is Great Britain's fourth medal in America after Laura Muir won 1500m bronze, Dina Asher-Smith clinched 200m bronze and Jake Wightman's stunning 1500m gold.