Matt Hudson-Smith etched his name in the history books at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium by capturing his third consecutive European Championship 400m title. Racing with the support of a home crowd, the 31-year-old delivered an impressive showing, clocking in at 44.17 seconds to secure the win. Positioned in lane nine, Hudson-Smith took an early lead and managed to hold on despite a slight drop in pace as he neared the finish line.
Behind him, France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta secured the silver medal with a time of 44.40 seconds, while the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers earned bronze, setting a national record of 44.41 seconds. Hudson-Smith, who has been familiar with the Birmingham area since childhood and honed his skills at this very stadium, expressed that this victory on his home ground held special significance for him.
Britain’s success continued in the women’s 400m hurdles, with Emily Newnham delivering a remarkable performance. She clinched the silver medal by finishing in a personal-best time of 53.33 seconds. The gold medal went to Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalova, who completed the race in 52.91 seconds, while Portugal’s Fatoumata Binta Diallo took home the bronze, setting a national record of 53.55 seconds.
Hudson-Smith’s triumph adds to his impressive track record, further cementing his status as a dominant force in European athletics. With a career marked by consistency and excellence, his latest victory on a track that has been a significant part of his life makes the achievement even more poignant.
Meanwhile, Newnham’s strong finish in the hurdles event underscores her potential and growth, as she marked a new personal milestone with her silver-winning run. The competition showcased outstanding performances from athletes across Europe, with personal and national records being set, highlighting the high level of talent and determination present at the championships.