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”.
This story is from the August 08, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 08, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Djokovic faces monumental task at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic could play Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and may also have to face world No 2 Alexander Zverev and world No 1 Jannik Sinner if he is to win a 25th grand slam title in Melbourne.
Potter's West Ham gamble is a make-or-break moment
Doubts remain over new Hammers man after Chelsea failure
'Woody told us all week we would get Newcastle away!'
After more than a century in the lower tiers, League Two side Bromley FC are finally in the spotlight with their FA Cup tie
Ambitious Everton look for upgrade on the Dyche grind
Sean Dyche was never the manager Everton really wanted.
Everton ease to FA Cup win as team reboot starts
They are not used to cheering the men in the technical area.
THE ART OF NOISE
Alt-popper Ethel Cain lashes listeners with sound on her experimental second LP, 'Perverts'. Helen Brown submits
Kidman is utterly fearless in unabashedly sexy 'Babygirl'
Dutch writer-director Halina Reijn has made a BDSM film rife with fumbling uncertainty, and comedy-drama 'A Real Pain' manages to stay honest,
The secret shame that saw Callas retreat into obscurity
She was the opera diva with a tumultuous and tragic private life but something else would derail her career as one of the greatest singers of all time, as Meghan Lloyd Davies explains
At home with Gen Zzzzz
Being boring has never been more in - but Kate Rossiensky wonders if the humblebore lifestyle is a deflection technique
PLAYING DUMB
As the thoroughly decent (and rather smart) Kasim is ejected from 'The Traitors', Helen Coffey asks whether intelligence has become a hindrance that should be concealed at all costs
