Matt Hudson-Smith etched his name in history at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium by becoming the first man to clinch three European Championship 400m titles. The 31-year-old athlete, performing before an enthusiastic home audience, delivered a commanding race, completing the final in 44.17 seconds. Positioned in lane nine, Hudson-Smith surged ahead with a powerful start and managed to sustain his lead, despite a slight deceleration towards the end.
Hot on his heels, France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta crossed the finish line in 44.40 seconds to secure second place, while the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers claimed the bronze with a national-record time of 44.41 seconds. Hudson-Smith’s victory held special significance as he hails from the Birmingham area and has honed his skills at this very stadium since his youth.
Adding to Britain’s success at the championship, Emily Newnham delivered an impressive performance in the women’s 400m hurdles, earning a silver medal. She finished with a personal-best time of 53.33 seconds. The gold medal was claimed by Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalova, who finished the race in 52.91 seconds, while Portugal’s Fatoumata Binta Diallo took home the bronze with a national-record finish of 53.55 seconds.
This event marked a momentous occasion for Hudson-Smith, who not only celebrated his victory on familiar turf but also solidified his status as a leading figure in European athletics. For Newnham, the silver medal was a testament to her growing prowess on the international stage.
The championship in Birmingham showcased a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talents, with each race providing thrilling competition for spectators and further establishing the venue as a hub for athletic excellence.