Matthew Hudson-Smith wins Team GB’s first men’s 400m gold in 100 years | Other | Sport

Team GB’s wait for a gold medal in the men’s 400m goes on, after Matthew Hudson-Smith was edged out of first place on the line.

Hudson-Smith was leading for most of the back half but missed out on gold after a late surge from Quincy Hall.

Team GB last won the men’s 400m 100 years ago, the last time the Olympic Games were held in Paris.

Ultimately, it was less than 0.20 seconds that separated Hudson-Smith from gold, despite the Brit running a personal best on the Stade de France track.

The Team GB runner posted the fifth fastest time in history. However, it was little consequence to Hudson-Smith, who could smell the gold medal with less than 10m to go.

The 29-year-old struggled to hold back his emotions after crossing the finish line, with Hudson-Smith shouting “f**k”.

Shortly after the waterworks followed, with Hudson-Smith consoled by a member of his party while looking visibly emotional.

While it was tough ending, it was still an achievement to be proud of for Hudson-Smith. Speaking to the BBC after the race, he said: “Yeah it’s crazy. Honestly, sometimes the journey is better than the outcome and it’s been a hell of a journey.

“Came away with an Olympic silver, how many people in the world can say that. I’ve been the bridesmaid twice now, my time is coming. I’m just happy.

“I saw my family, I didn’t even know they were here. It was a bit of a shock really because I hate them watching me.”

Christine Ohuruogu didn’t share Hudson-Smith’s disappointment, with the former 400m Olympic champion telling BBC Sport: “Matthew Hudson-Smith did nothing wrong, Quincy Hall ran beautifully. He came like a steam train.

“Silver medal, European record, brilliant time. These are not slow times.”

While four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson also said on the BBC‘s coverage: “Matt Hudson-Smith came into the bend exactly where he needed to be and at that point you thought there would not be any challengers.

“I thought Quincy Hall was really too far back even though he is a finisher.”

The American added: “The issue here for Matt is that he started to slow down dramatically [on the straight], he is now really tired.

“The contrast is Quincy Hall has so much left from what he did not do on the curve.”