Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith is eager for revenge as he renews his rivalry with Quincy Hall at the Diamond League in Lausanne on Thursday. Hall narrowly edged out Hudson-Smith to claim gold in the men’s 400m at the Paris Olympics, winning by just four-hundredths of a second. However, the tides turned in Hudson-Smith’s favor at the Athletissima Diamond League meet, where Hall’s last-minute withdrawal allowed Hudson-Smith to seize victory in the 400m.

Matthew Hudson-Smith secured victory in the 400m race with a time of 43.96 seconds, finishing ahead of Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga, who clocked 44.06. Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi came in third with a personal best of 44.22, while Bryce Deadmon of the USA finished fourth at 44.37. Britain’s Charles Dobson and American Vernon Norwood followed closely, with times of 44.53 and 44.55, respectively. Switzerland’s Lionel Spitz rounded out the field with a time of 44.10.

After the race, Matthew Hudson-Smith made a bold statement, acknowledging the USA’s Quincy Hall indirectly, who leads the world with a time of 43.40 seconds. Hudson-Smith declared, “I want to consistently be one of the best ever, running under 44 seconds regularly. My ultimate goal is to win Olympic gold and to be mentioned alongside legends like Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner. I won’t consider myself among the best until I secure that Olympic gold and possibly break the 43-second barrier. It’s all about consistency, winning, and never giving up.”

Michael Johnson is often called one of the greatest sprinters ever. Back in the 1990s, he was the king of the 200m and 400m, staying unbeaten in the 400m for a whopping seven years. He achieved a feat by setting a 400m world record of 43.18 seconds holding onto it for 17 years until Wayde van Niekerk surpassed it in Rio. Throughout his career, Johnson earned eight world titles. Clinched four gold medals, always striving for the top spot without ever accepting anything less, than victory.

Jeremy Wariner has certainly built a reputation in the 400m race. At the age of 36, he has achieved success, with four Olympic medals. Three gold and one silver along with six medals, from World Championships. He achieved a best of 43.45 seconds. Competed in the Olympics of 2004 and 2008 as well as numerous World Championships spanning from 2005 to 2015. Johnson and Wariner have truly excelled in track and field. Considering Hudson’s performance, at the Paris Olympics is there a possibility that he might one day stand alongside these esteemed sprinting icons?

Hudson-Smith’s quest for glory, can he break 43 seconds?

As of 2024, Matthew Hudson-Smith boasts an Olympic silver and bronze medal, but his personal and season bests remain at 43.44 seconds. This mark, while impressive, leaves him short of legendary status in the 400 meters. Despite being a favorite in Paris, Hudson-Smith faced stiff competition that challenged his podium aspirations.

Quincy Hall however put on a show during the Olympic 400 meters race staging a comeback from fourth place. He sprinted ahead of his competitors in the leg. Crossed the finish line with a time of 43.40 seconds ranking as the fourth fastest time ever recorded. To top it off he celebrated by creating snow angels on the track adding a touch of excitement to the occasion.

Hall’s close triumph, over Hudson Smith by 0.04 seconds underscores the margins in elite-level athletics. Hall’s victory, which secured the gold in the 400 meters since LaShawn Merritt, in 2008 and Hudson Smith’s narrow miss raise the question; Will Hudson Smith, motivated by his ambition to break the 43-second barrier be able to accomplish his goal in upcoming events?