Matthew Hudson-Smith’s defiant message after winning silver at World Athletics Championships - ‘Next time, gold’
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Published 25/08/2023 at 07:28 GMT
It was an incredibly frustrating evening for Matthew Hudson-Smith in the Hungarian capital on Thursday evening, after falling only 0.09 seconds behind Jamaica's Antonio Watson to deny him a first global title. Despite the finest of margins not going his way, his journey back to the top of he sport is a remarkable one. With his resilience, a gold at Paris next year is firmly within reach.
Asher-Smith and Thomas ease through to final of 200m at World Championships
Matthew Hudson-Smith is all the more determined to win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics after agonisingly falling short at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
The 28-year-old finished a mere 0.09 seconds behind Jamaica’s Antonio Watson to deny the Brit a gold medal in Hungary after a commanding performance in the semi-finals.
After setting a European record in the semi-finals, Hudson-Smith led the way heading into the final 30m, only to be overhauled right at the end of the men’s 400m.
It was a night of incredible frustration despite the fine achievement, but Hudson-Smith quickly switched his mindset and is now focusing on gold at next year’s Olympic Games.
"I came here looking for gold," said Hudson-Smith in quotes published by the BBC.
"You are never satisfied; you're always going to want more. I'm grateful, but I know there's more.
"Next year, we've got big plans. I've just got to stay healthy. That's the moral of the story in my career, but we're getting there.
"I got a bronze last year, I got a silver this year - so next time, gold."
Hudson-Smith has an inspirational story after recovering from Achilles tendonitis and appears to have turned a corner following years of mental health struggles.
Before claiming a bronze medal in Oregon last year, suicidal thoughts crept in as his career appeared to be heading on a downward trajectory.
He was ruled out of the Tokyo Olympics and his injury woes led to Hudson-Smith accruing large debts, as medical bills increased and sponsors pulled out.
The athlete was based in the United States during the coronavirus pandemic, after moving across the Atlantic for training purposes.
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Silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith of Team Great Britain celebrates after the Men's 400m Final during day six of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 24, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.
Image credit: Getty Images
However, Hudson-Smith showed immense perseverance to recover and reach two global podiums.
"It's been a topsy-turvy year," Hudson-Smith added.
"I've had Achilles tendonitis really badly, so that's why I've been pulling up, that's why I've been in a wheelchair in London. Sometimes I can't walk.
"My Achilles has been mashed up bad. This has been like a mental battle.
"I came for the gold, tied up [in the] last 30m, but under the circumstances, I can't complain.
"I tried to find another gear, but that's what happens when you don't really have races."
Hudson-Smith may be leaving Budapest with a silver medal, but it would be foolish to bet against him securing a first gold medal next year.
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