Team GB runner issues statement after profanity caught on camera in agonising 400m loss

One of Team GB's most promising gold medal hopefuls was left making an X-rated scream after being pipped to the top prize on the finish line of the men's 400 metres final.

Matt Hudson-Smith went in to the race on Wednesday night (7 August) with eyes firmly set on getting himself to the top of the podium with a gold medal around his neck.

But it wasn't to be for the 29-year-old, who came second to Quincy Hall of Team USA by mere inches.

The distance between them was timed at just 0.04 seconds, showing just how closely fought it was.

Hall took the lead on the final straight despite Hudson-Smith looking in the strong position on the final bend.

As the Brit crossed the finish line, he let out an almighty scream of 'f**k', which was picked up by TV cameras and microphones.

Fans could relate and sympathise after gold looked nailed on. One posted: "Matt Hudson-Smith’s reaction to missing out on gold was heartbreaking. He ran such a great race and was so close to the gold medal. My heart breaks for him."

Another wrote: "Felt that 'f**k!' from Matt Hudson-Smith in my soul."

And a third said: "Is there anything more British than shouting 'f**k' when something doesn't go our way?"

Hudson-Smith took to X (formerly Twitter) in the aftermath of the race. Writing on his official account, he said: "Let me address this before things get a little out of control.

"I've swore post race because that was honestly pure emotion.

"In 2021 I was in a dark place in life watching the Olympics. 2024 I'm Olympic silver medalist [and] fifth fastest time all time.

"Keep fighting people. Now onto 4x4."

Despite losing out to his America competitor Hall, Hudson-Smith showed pure class in the moment after letting out a personal outburst, going up to Hall to congratulate him on the incredible comeback, while also helping him get up off the track.

He told talkSPORT: 'It's been a crazy journey. I did everything my coach told me to do. I couldn't have done any more.

"At the end of the day, the better man won, and he got a PB.

"I said - 'If you are going to win it, you are going to have to take it from me' - and that's exactly what he did."

Matthew Hudson-Smith was only just beaten to gold in the 400m!

He set a new European record of 43.44 seconds 🔥#Paris2024 #Olympics #BBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/9aqQ2EvjRv

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 7, 2024

Hudson-Smith will form part of the men's 4 x 400m relay race for Team GB alongside Charles Dobson, Toby Harries, Alex Haydock-Wilson, and Samuel Reardon.

With the heats taking place tomorrow (9 August), Hudson-Smith and his teammates will be hoping to comfortable make it to the final on Saturday night where they will have their eyes firmly set on a medal.