Matthew Hudson-Smith criticised the BBC immediately after winning the 400m at the European Athletics Championships, accusing the broadcaster of reporting he was carrying an injury.
Victory on home soil
Hudson-Smith won gold at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, crossing the line in 44.17 seconds. The 2024 Olympic silver medallist was assigned lane nine and took an early lead that he never lost. This was his fifth European gold, including relay medals, taking his overall tally to eight.
Criticism of BBC coverage
Speaking after the race, Hudson-Smith said: "I was watching a BBC Newcast. You guys need to come with the facts, man. Saying I was injured and everything." He explained that his cautious running was intentional: "The whole point of rounds is to survive and advance. I tried to conserve rounds. Me and my coach were laughing all the way around."
He added: "We have a couple of big races coming up – the Diamond League final and the Ultimate Championships. It's about conserving yourself and getting ready."
Confidence and future plans
Hudson-Smith expressed confidence in his ability, saying: "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." He added: "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."
His gold equalled the men's record at the Europeans alongside France's Christophe Lemaitre, though Hudson-Smith has one more gold overall. Having had the North stand at the Alexander Stadium named after him last month, he joked about running for "Mayor of Birmingham and Wolverhampton", saying: "I have got my stand. Now I will go for Mayor of Birmingham and Wolverhampton. I'm going to keep asking, so all my boys are going to have a job at the end when I'm done, so let's go. Vote for me, innit!"
He also reflected on the emotional win: "It's hard not to cry. It's hard not to cry. I think adrenaline just got me through. The story's not finished." He confirmed this was likely his last European Championships: "I've got the relay, got another two years (to the Olympics) and we'll go from there. I think this is my last European Championships, I'm closing it in Birmingham. It's real. I'm happy."
