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Hudson-Smith has pointed out the specific decline about Team USA in the 400m that makes clinching gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic games realistic after he set the world leading time in London.
British sprinter Matthew Hudson-Smith, representing Birchfield Harriers and coached by Gary Evans, has made headlines with his record-breaking performance at the London Athletics Meet.
Hudson-Smith set a new European record and world lead in the men’s 400m with a blistering time of 43.74 seconds, just days before the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This achievement has not only solidified his status as a top contender but has also sparked discussions about the current state of the 400m event, particularly the diminishing dominance of American athletes.
Hudson-Smith’s performance at the London Stadium, where he surpassed his previous European record of 44.07 seconds set in Oslo in May, has positioned him as the fastest man in the world over 400m this year.
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Speaking about his remarkable run, Hudson-Smith said, "43 seconds before Paris is exactly what me, my coach and team were aiming for. To get that world lead and to set myself up for Paris is what I really needed to show the rest of the world what I am capable of."
Reflecting on his preparation and mindset leading up to the race, he added, "Before today I wrote on a paper that I was going to run 43.7, because I did a race model and my coach had told me I was in 43 seconds shape.
“ All I had to do was go out there and show it, not blow it at the beginning. But, I knew I had it in the bag. Getting ready for Paris is all that matters and I believe today was very important for that."
Hudson-Smith’s victory in London has also highlighted the changing dynamics in the 400m event.
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Historically dominated by American sprinters, the event now sees a more diverse and competitive field.
"At the Olympics, there are eight other men who could take away the gold medal. A lot of people say that the 400m is not a favorite, and I think it is because there are no Americans involved as much as they used to be," Hudson-Smith remarked.
The British sprinter pointed out that the global competition has intensified, reducing the stronghold that American athletes once had on the 400m. "The rest of the world has caught up, so I think this year across the board it is really open at the Olympics," he noted.
Hudson-Smith’s comments come at a time when American dominance in the 400m has waned, with fewer standout performers compared to past decades.
This shift has opened opportunities for athletes from other nations to shine on the world stage. Hudson-Smith’s coach, Gary Evans, and his team have meticulously prepared him for this moment, recognizing the significance of his world-leading time as a precursor to the Olympic Games.
In addition to his physical preparation, Hudson-Smith emphasized the importance of enjoying the race. "My physio said go out there and have fun and that is exactly what I did, in front of a home crowd," he said.
As Hudson-Smith heads to Paris, he does so with the confidence and momentum of a record-breaking season. His insights into the evolving nature of the 400m event provide a fascinating perspective on the sport’s current landscape.
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