Birchfield Harrier Matthew Hudson-Smith was one of the breakthrough athletics stars of 2014 – and he insists next year is going to be even better.
Hudson-Smith, 20, powered England to gold in the 4x400m relay at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow before repeating the feat with Great Britain in Zurich at the European Championships, also adding individual silver in Switzerland.
But home is where the heart is for the Wolverhampton-born ace and the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd in next February’s Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham is a big incentive during long and cold winter training sessions.
“I used to watch the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix when I was younger,” said Hudson-Smith. “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 amazing opportunity.
“The highlight for me this season was the gold and silver in Zurich. 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.
“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.
“It’s good to have a good indoor season because it will prepare you for the outdoor season and show you where you are.”
Hudson-Smith’s productive season has not gone unrecognised, with British Athletics rewarding the 20-year-old with top-tier lottery funding.
And as he embarks on a degree at the University of Worcester, Hudson-Smith admits the injection of funds is much needed in a hectic season.
“It’s amazing being recognised by British Athletics,” he added. “It’s an amazing honour and nice to be rewarded and recognised for the work I’ve done this year.
“Now that I’ve gone to uni I think it would be very hard without funding. I hope to use that funding wisely so that I can improve.”
The Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix takes place in Birmingham on Saturday 21st February. 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.
