The Olympic 400m silver medallist has signed up to Michael Johnson’s new event alongside Olympic champion Quincy Hall
Matthew Hudson-Smith and Quincy Hall are set to go head-to-head multiple times next year after both athletes have signed for Grand Slam Track.
The new signings mean Grand Slam Track now has all three medalists from the Paris Olympic 400m podium, with Muzala Samukonga, who won bronze, already on board.
Hudson-Smith narrowly missed out on gold to Hall in Paris but delivered one of the standout performances of his career, earning a silver medal in what was considered one of the fastest Olympic 400m races in history. The 29-year-old set a new European record and personal best of 43.44.
In addition to his individual silver, he played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the GB 4x400m relay team, helping to set a new British record of 2:55:83 alongside Charlie Dobson, Lewis Davey and Alex Haydock-Wilson.
Matt Hudson-Smith (Getty)
He has now made three Olympic appearances, adding to his impressive resume that includes six British titles and multiple global medals, including silver and bronze at the World Championships and four golds at the European championships.
“I’ve been racing for a long time, and what really stands out to me about Grand Slam Track is the chance to approach the sport from a new angle,” said Hudson-Smith.
“I’ve had success on the world stage, but this league creates a new opportunity to compete in a different way. I’m ready to bring my experience, keep improving, and race alongside some of the best athletes in the world. It’s a great time for track, and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Olympic 400m final (Getty)
Quincy Hall established himself as one of USA’s top sprinters during his time at the University of South Carolina, where he won the 2019 NCAA Championships.
The 26-year-old went on to win a bronze medal in the 400m at the 2023 World Championships and a gold medal in the 4x400m relay.
Making his Olympic debut in Paris, he had the debut of dreams, walking away with the 400m gold medal and achieving a new personal best of 43.40, breaking a 16-year drought for the US in the event.
His remarkable performance at the Stade de France has solidified his status as the fourth-fastest 400m runner of all time.
Quincy Hall (Getty)
“This is a great opportunity with Grand Slam Track,” said Hall. “Winning gold in Paris was a huge moment for me, but I’m always looking for the next challenge, and this league is giving us something new.
“I love the idea of a league that’s focused on racing head-to-head against the best in the world, and this gives us a new platform to do that.
“I know there’s a lot more I can do, and I’m ready to see how far I can push myself in this league.”
It means that 15 athletes have now signed for Grand Slam Track with Hudson-Smith and Hall joining Alison Dos Santos, Muzala Samukonga, Clément Duco, Masai Russell, Cyréna Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Melissa Jefferson, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse, and Josh Kerr.
All of these athletes will be Racers which means they compete in all four of the Slams and receive an annual base compensation for competing in each one, as well as being eligible for full prize money.
Michael Johnson (Grand Slam Track)
At Grand Slam Track there will be 48 Racers and Challengers. They will be assigned to compete in one of the following categories and will all race in two events during each Slam: short sprints (100m/200m), short hurdles (100m hurdles or 110m hurdles/100m), long sprints (200m/400m), long hurdles (400m hurdles/400m), short distance (800m/1500m), or long distance (3000m/5000m).
“Quincy and Matthew are fantastic additions to Grand Slam Track,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “They’ve both had incredible seasons, especially with their performances in Paris, and it’s clear they’re at the top of their game.
“What we’re building here is all about bringing together the best athletes from around the world and creating real competition that fans can get behind.
“Quincy and Matthew are the kind of racers who can elevate any event, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table in our inaugural season.”
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