44.07 seconds. Matthew Hudson-Smith’s dominating timing in the 400m semi-finals marks his second win at Paris so far, after the heats. Plus, this one has him cleared for the finals. But can he make it past the finish line like his friend from the USA camp, Noah Lyles did in 100m on August 4? While that will be unveiled shortly, the 100m phenom is likely to cheer for his, “third Lyles brother.”

Coaching Connection

Yes, indeed, Lyles and the Brit star Hudson-Smith share a deep history. The two track athletes train under coach Lance Brauman, who is the head coach of the PURE Athletics group. However, the distances that the two train for vary. Lyles trains for 100m and 200m, while the Hudson-Smith gears up to exert his dominance in 400m.

Training Partnership

Hudson-Smith was off to a flying career start, bagging a gold at the England Commonwealth Games. However, his bottom of the table finish at Rio was an eye opener. Thus, looking to make a positive shift, he moved to Florida in 2017, under the wing of coach Lance Brauman. Coincidently, it was the same year that Lyles, who was coming off a major victory as the 2016 US junior champion, joined Brauman’s coaching tent.

Living Arrangement

Subsequently, the GB star also moved in together with Noah Lyles and his brother Josephus. Around 2019, Hudson-Smith was on a hunt for a place to live, but he wished to steer clear of the ‘apartment’ route. This was when Lyles offered him to occupy the extra room in their house, which went on for the next year.

Apparently, this was a major ice breaker in their bond. This was when Lyles mentions that he started identifying Hudson-Smith’s habits and living style. Like not wiping his feet on the carpet after he left the bathroom, or leaving just in time to make it to his practices. However, what connected them the most was that two are equally ‘goofy-hearted.’ And Hudson-Smith is particularly easygoing, whose favorite saying per Lyles is, “it is what it is.”

Public Support

With both of them in Paris, Lyles feels his training partner is a top contender for the 400m category. “It’s looking very strong. I’m voting for him for sure,” Lyles has deep faith in his athletic abilities. Well, Hudson Smith’s career record perhaps further fuels that confidence in Lyles. In 2022, he won a 400m bronze at the World Athletic Championships, one that he upgraded next year for a silver. Referring to which, Lyles backs him, “He won a medal two years ago, and he’s still going, so I’m hoping that he gets knighted and I get to see him get knighted. Sir Matthew Hudson-Smith.”

Career Milestones

Both Brauman’s mentees hold a stellar resume in their respective categories. Hudson-Smith is freshly coming off a 400m win at the London Athletics Meet, in 43.74 seconds. Moreover, in May 2022, his 44.35 seconds timing at the Eugene Diamond League shaved off a 25-year-old national record, by just 1/100th of a second. Moreover, Hudson is seeking Olympic redemption this year, much like Noah Lyles. Finishing 8th at the Rio Olympics, and having bowed out of the Tokyo Games due to medical reasons, he is hoping for a Paris resurgence. Which is much like Lyles who won a 200m bronze in Tokyo and is eyeing another glittery gold this time.

Plus, it looks like Lyles has access to insider details about Hudson-Smith’s career. He says, “It’s funny, I don’t know if he’s told anybody yet, but I remember when he was like, ‘As soon as I’ve won a medal I’m retiring.’ Thus, the two seem to be partners in training but also great buddies off the track. So will you be cheering for Matthew Hudson-Smith in the 400m finals? Let us know below.