European 400m silver medallist believes there are “quicker times in there”

Matthew Hudson-Smith was one of the breakthrough athletics stars of 2014 and he is looking forward to 2015 being even better, writes Ryan Walters.

The 20-year-old anchored England to gold in the 4x400m relay at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and also formed part of the victorious Great Britain team at the European Championships, adding individual silver to his medal haul from Zurich.

“The highlight for me this season was the gold and silver in Zurich,” he said. “I didn t think I d get selected and it was my first ever individual championship and I came away with two medals. It was amazing and I couldn t believe it.”

Looking ahead, he added: “My coach has had a plan for me since I was 14 and now the plan has come to fruition. I don t think I ll have as big a leap as dropping four seconds again but there will definitely be a lot quicker times in there.”

The Wolverhampton-born athlete was speaking at the launch of February’s Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix and Hudson-Smith enjoys the idea of competing at the Birmingham event at some point in the future.

“It s good to have a good indoor season because it will prepare you for the outdoor season and show you where you are,” he said.

“I used to watch the Sainsbury s Indoor Grand Prix when I was younger,” added the athlete, who is studying PE and Sports Coaching Science course at Worcester. “I think the whole indoor season is what got me involved in the sport.

“Watching it at an early age got me hooked and to have an opportunity to race there would be quite cool, especially in my home city.

“Just racing for family, friends and people from Birmingham would be an amazing opportunity.”

The Sainsbury s Indoor Grand Prix takes place in Birmingham on February 21. Sainsbury s partnership with British Athletics reflects its wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury s School Games

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