Hudson-Smith denied gold after agonising 400m finish

Matt Hudson-Smith roared in frustration. Four-hundredths of a second had denied him a glorious gold to complete the most remarkable redemption story.

- JACK RATHBORN

In one of the most gripping 400m finals in Olympic history, the USA's Quincy Hall summoned a kick from the gods.

Charging like a train, while rocking from side to side, Hall somehow conjured up the fourth-fastest time in history. He was only fourth in this race with 100m remaining, yet he snatched victory away from Hudson-Smith in a scorching 43.40 seconds as Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga claimed bronze.

The Briton’s pursuit of gold on the world stage rumbles on then, but at 29 years of age and now possessing the fifth-fastest time ever (43.44 seconds), the European record holder believes more than ever. How could he not after everything he has endured up to this point?

For so long Hudson-Smith could only show glimpses of his scintillating best: a torn hamstring and Achilles tendinitis dashed hopes of a world medal for so long. Then the Covid pandemic arrived and a battle with his mental health and even an attempt to take his own life. Hudson-Smith had emerged from “absolute hell”.