Matt Hudson-Smith wins brilliant gold at Birmingham 2026

Matt Hudson-Smith became the joint-most decorated male European athlete of all-time by winning a brilliant gold at Birmingham 2026.

The Wolverhampton track star, running from the outside lane, held off the chasing pack down the home straight to win the individual 400 metre title for the third time at Alexander Stadium.

Hudson-Smith, racing at the venue where he began his career with Birchfield Harriers, has now won eight medals at European Championships, the same as France legend Christophe Lemaitre.

Wednesday was his fifth gold and the 31-year-old did a slow lap of honour in celebration, at one point climbing into the stand organisers had named after him for the championships, in order to greet family and friends.

A beaming Hudson-Smith told the BBC: “Honestly, I never dreamt of this. I cannot describe what this means to me.

“I knew I was the best in the world. I knew that. On paper, I was a second faster than these guys.

“My coach said, once you seal the deal, make sure you do it. This is your home. Defend it.

“I knew it would take one hell of an effort to get past me. Every time someone beats me, I kind of end their career.

“I knew that for them to beat me, they would have to have a supernatural moment.

“Nobody is going to beat me on this track. This is my home. I have been here since I was nine. I know this track like the back of my hand.

“I have got my stand. Now I will go for Mayor of Birmingham and Wolverhampton.”

The European crown might rank behind the Olympic and world titles but this was still a huge deal for Paris 2024 silver medallist Hudson-Smith, who had been desperate to put on a show at the track he first raced on aged just 10.

His experience of four years ago, when he was denied gold at the Commonwealth Games having set off too quickly through the opening 200 metres, had served as motivation and a warning.

Hudson-Smith had appeared incredibly relaxed during Sunday’s championship launch press conference, when he promised not to repeat the same mistake again.

Tuesday’s semi-final, however, had delivered cause for concern. Not only did Hudson-Smith have to settle for second place, he also appeared uncomfortable at the finish line. Glory, it seemed, was far from guaranteed.

But on the night when it mattered, it all went right.

Hudson-Smith, drawn in lane nine, again set off strongly and had an advantage of several metres heading into the home straight.

Yet where he had faded 24 hours earlier, this time he stayed strong to hold off the challenge of France’s Muhammad Kounta, one lane inside.

Hudson-Smith crossed the line in a time of 44.17 seconds with Kounta second and Jonas Phijffers of the Netherlands in third.