A leader up to the 300m mark, and in the blink of an eye, he finishes as the runner-up! That’s what happened with Matthew Hudson-Smith last night in the men’s 400m final. He secured the silver medal for his outstanding performance on the track, running the fastest non-winning time ever recorded in the event’s history. But if you think that was the only surprise from the British athlete, you’d be mistaken. On the podium, Matthew appeared with two flags on his shoulders—those of the UK and Jamaica. But as a proud British citizen, what made him do that?

After the medal ceremony was over, the sprinter unveiled the reason. Foremost, he shares his roots with both nations. Moreover, the 29-year-old athlete updated, “I haven’t seen both my Jamaican Grandmothers in a while so I held the Jamaican flag as an “I love you” to them.” Now, when Jamaican athletes are having bad days in the track competitions at the Paris Olympics, such a tribute from someone like Matthew might boost the morale of the black and yellow jerseys. But practicing love for his roots felt special to him. 

Although, Quincy Hall came from behind and snatched the sure shot victory from him, for Matthew Hudson-Smith, the measuring of the result couldn’t be carried out by the silver and gold. Last year, the athlete was not in a state to try for the Paris Olympics. His mental state was nowhere to allow him to take the guard against the big names on the track. Additionally, the death of his coach, Lloyd Cowan, shook him to the core. Above all, he had his chronic tendinitis to dump his chances. But the athlete had yet to call it a day. 

In the London Diamond League, he went beyond his ability when he entered the competition with an ailing foot. However, the pain fell short of suppressing him, as he took fourth place. Coming to this year as well, he put on some examples of such kind. 

Matthew Hudson-Smith elevates the journey rather than the result 

This year, Matthew Hudson-Smith had to bow out of the Tom Jones Memorial Classic because of his injury. But he took three days to stand on his feet. Rather, he sprinted in the Hurricane Invitational to compete in the 200m event. He waited for a few more days to enter the LSU Alumni Gold and he claimed the third position. So, from the chronic injury, the coach’s death, and many others, Matthew discovered his own path. 

On this path, he had to walk alone, and from time to time, that left him frustrated. Matthew had to work in a supermarket and had his plan ready to take up the electrician’s job. But after lowering everything, he is here, with the Olympic medalist tag. Such an achievement has made him more thankful. 

Delivering on that, Matthew Hudson-Smith said, “Sometimes the journey is better than the result and it’s been a hell of a journey. I’m just grateful. I’ve got an Olympic silver medal and how many people can say that? I’ve been the bridesmaid a couple of times now but my time is coming. I’m just happy and grateful”. In this lane, if he patches up his Jamaican roots, who could have a problem?