Matthew Hudson-Smith wins 400m title at the European Athletics Championships, Birmingham; only athlete to win three European 400m titles

2026 European Athletics Championships: Matthew Hudson-Smith claims the 400m crown

The Great Britain star won in 44.17, taking his third 400m title, with France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta (44.40s) winning silver, while Netherland’s Jonas Phijffers ran a national record of 44.41 to take the bronze.

Matthew Hudson-Smith gave the home crowd at Alexander Stadium another moment to celebrate as he stormed to his third European 400 metres title in Birmingham, United Kingdom on Wednesday (12 August) at the 2026 European Athletics Championships .

The 31-year-old Briton, running from lane eight, made a fast start and emerged into the home straight with a clear lead.

And despite a late charge from France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta and the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers , who were fast closing the gap as Hudson-Smith approached the finish, the Olympic silver medallist held his nerve to secure the win in 44.17 seconds.

“I knew what I had to do,” Hudson-Smith said. “I knew I had a second ahead of everybody.

“ I sealed probably my last European championships in my hometown, with a smile, dominant, in front of my friends and family, my stand; I’m just trying not to cry .”

Kounta finished second in 44.40 , securing his first individual medal at a major continental championships.

“I was a bit disappointed at the beginning,” Kounta reflected. “But I quickly regained my confidence and became aware of the effort I have accomplished, of what I have achieved for France, for my country, for all my family, for those who look at me and support me. At least it’s a silver medal that I bring today.”

Phijffers completed the podium in 44.41 , setting a new Dutch national record in a breakthrough performance.

The victory takes Hudson-Smith into exclusive company as the only athlete to win three European 400m titles, after also taking victories in 2018 and 2022.

A stand in his name, Gold to his name

Hudson-Smith arrived in Birmingham as the European record holder and defending champion, but there was plenty more at stake for the home favourite.

The Briton had already established himself as Europe’s fastest 400m runner this season, clocking a world-leading 44.09 seconds before the European Championships.

Defeat to the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers in Tuesday’s semi-finals, had a fair few questioning his fitness, but came the deciding moment, he delivered.

And he had plenty more motivation pushing him this time.

A temporary stand at Alexander Stadium had been named in his honour during the championships, a tribute to one of Britain’s most successful 400m runners.

After securing gold, Hudson-Smith made a point of celebrating with the people who had come to cheer him on.

He jumped into the stand and tapped the sign bearing his name.

The victory also moved Hudson-Smith into elite company in the European Championships record books.

With five European Championships gold medals across individual and relay events, he is now level with fellow Britons Roger Black and Mo Farah for the most gold medals won by a British male athlete at the championships.

And Hudson-Smith’s triumph continued a remarkable start to the championships for the host nation.

Great Britain have now won gold in the men’s and women’s 100m and the men’s 400m on three successive days, with Amy Hunt and Romell Glave delivering sprint titles on the opening two days before Hudson-Smith added his own piece of history.

Athletics | European Championships | Birmingham | United Kingdom