The Olympic 400m silver medalist has signed up for Michael Johnson’s new event alongside Olympic champion Quincy Hall.
Matthew Hudson-Smith and Quincy Hall are set to meet several times next year after both athletes signed contracts. Path to Grand Slam.
The new signings mean Path to Grand Slam now has all three Paris Olympic 400m podium medalists back Cousin Samukongawho won the bronze, already on the field.
Hudson-Smith narrowly missed out on gold in Paris at the Hall, but delivered one of the standout performances of her career to earn a silver medal in what was regarded as one of the fastest Olympic 400m races in history. The 29-year-old football player set a new European record and personal best of 43.44.
As well as his individual silver, he played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the GB 4x400m relay team, helping set a new British record of 2:55:83 alongside Charlie Dobson, Lewis Davey and Alex Haydock-Wilson.
Matt Hudson-Smith (Getty)
He has now made three Olympic appearances, adding to his impressive CV which includes six British titles and numerous world medals, including silver and bronze at the World Championships and four golds at the European Championships.
“I’ve been competing for a long time and what’s really special to me Path to Grand Slam it’s a chance to approach the sport from a new perspective,” Hudson-Smith said.
“I’ve had success on the world stage, but this league creates a new opportunity to compete in a different way. I am ready to bring my experience, continue to improve and compete alongside the best athletes in the world. It’s a great time for track and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Olympic 400 m final (River)
Quincy Hall established himself as one of the top sprinters in the US while at the University of South Carolina, where he won the 2019 NCAA Championships.
The 26-year-old won bronze in the 400m and gold in the 4x400m relay at the 2023 World Championships.
Making her Olympic debut in Paris, she had a dream debut, walking away with the 400m gold medal and a new personal best of 43.40, ending a 16-year US drought in the event.
His remarkable performance at the Stade de France cemented his status as the fourth fastest 400 meters of all time.
Quincy Hall (Getty)
“This is a great opportunity Path to Grand SlamHall said. “Winning the gold in Paris was a big moment for me, but I’m always looking for the next challenge and this league gives us something new.
“I love the idea of ​​a league focused on racing head-to-head against the best in the world, and this gives us a new platform to do that.
“I know I can do a lot more and I’m ready to see how far I can push myself in this league.”
That means 15 athletes have now signed up Path to Grand Slam Joining Hudson-Smith and Hall Alison Dos Santos, Muzala Samukonga, Clement Duko, Masai Russell, Sirena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-QuinnSidney McLaughlin-Levron, Melissa Jefferson, Fred Curley, Kenny BednarekCole Hawker, Jared Nugus, and Josh Kerr.
All of these athletes will be Racers, meaning they compete in all four Slams and receive an annual base compensation for competing in each, as well as being eligible for full prize money.
Michael Johnson (Grand Slam)
time Path to Grand Slam there will be 48 Racers and Challengers. They will be assigned to compete in one of the following categories and will compete in two events during each Slam: Short Sprint (100m/200m), Short Hurdles (100m Hurdles or 110m Hurdles/100m), Long Sprint (200m/400m), Long Hurdles (400m Hurdles/400m). , short distance (800m/1500m) or long distance (3000m/5000m).
“Quincy and Matthew are fantastic additions Path to Grand Slam“said league founder and commissioner Michael Johnson. “They’ve both had incredible seasons, especially with their performances in Paris, and it’s clear they’re at the top of their game.
“What we’re building here is about bringing together the best athletes from around the world and creating real competition that fans can get behind.
“Quincy and Matthew are racers who can elevate any event and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table in our inaugural season.”
» Subscribe to AW Magazine herecheck out our new podcast! here or subscribe to our digital archive of back issues from 1945 to the present day here
The post Matthew Hudson-Smith joins the Grand Slam Track appeared first AW:.
