The Japan Times - Hudson-Smith regains Euro 400m title on home track

Hudson-Smith, the Olympic silver medallist, European record-holder and European champion from 2018 and 2022, timed 44.17 seconds for victory.

France's Muhammad Abdallah Kounta claimed silver in 44.40sec, with Dutch athlete Jonas Phijffers taking bronze in a national record of 44.41.

"I feel amazing," said an emotional Hudson-Smith. "I wouldn't have been here without you.

"It's my home."

Hudson-Smith arrived back in Britain's second city from his Florida training base as Europe's fastest man this season, clocking a world-leading 44.09sec.

Competing in front of a home crowd at Alexander Stadium, with a temporary stand named in his honour for the duration of the championships, the 31-year-old did not disappoint.

Drawn in lane nine, the Wolverhampton native delivered a belter of an opening 300 metres that made for a tense finish.

He was quickly out of his blocks, moving immediately ahead of Kounta down the far straight.

As he entered the final bend, the crowd in the stand bearing his name took to their feet in raucous cheer.

Hudson-Smith tired badly as the finish line beckoned, Kounta's well-timed run threatening to ruin a dream night for the Briton.

But with clenched teeth and legs barely functioning, Hudson-Smith made it across the line in first place, to the delight of the large partisan support.

After being handed a Union Jack flag, Hudson-Smith stopped during his lap of honour to run into the stand named after him to touch the banner bearing his name.

Hudson-Smith specified, however, that the revamped Alexander Stadium had changed.

"Compared to the old club room, this is shiny, this is brand new," he said.

"I wouldn't say it was run down, but it just didn't look as shiny as it does.

"I grew up here, and this is my home, so it's just amazing to see the changes, the development."

K.Tanaka--JT