'Zharnel Hughes expresses interest in a 300m race against Hudson-Smith: "Let's get it going"'
Zharnel Hughes, Britain's fastest man over 100m and 200m, and Matt Hudson-Smith, the European 400m champion, have expressed a desire to compete against each other in a head-to-head race at the UK Athletics Championships. However, as of early August 2025, no specific organizations have been approached about organizing this event [1].
Hughes has been vocal about his interest in a one-on-one race, suggesting a 150m format to excite the audience. He has even compared the potential head-to-head race to the 1997 event between Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson, a notable example of such a competition in the past.
The idea of the race has been discussed on social media and in the media by both athletes. Hughes believes that a press conference filled with banter could bring excitement and attract viewers. He also suggests a preview event, similar to boxing's weigh-in and pre-fight face-offs, to build hype. Hughes believes that pre-race face-offs could be replicated in track and field to build online anticipation.
Hughes is advocating for an organizer, such as a promoter or a streaming service, to arrange the race between him and Hudson-Smith. He believes that the event could generate social media buzz and attract a younger audience. Both athletes have been expressing their confidence about winning the race on social media.
Netflix, which has dipped its toes in both athletics and live sport, could be an ideal platform for such a spectacle. Hughes v Hudson-Smith could be a perfect clash, made for social media or streaming platforms.
Despite the lack of organization, Hughes believes that both he and Hudson-Smith are eager to compete against each other. The only thing preventing the race from happening is the lack of concrete plans or official approaches to athletics bodies, promoters, or event organizers.
Keely Hodgkinson's Keely Klassic, despite her injury withdrawal, was fairly well received, showing that there is an appetite for such events in the UK athletics scene. With Hughes and Hudson-Smith's combined popularity and competitive spirit, a head-to-head race could be the exciting addition to the UK Athletics Championships that fans have been waiting for.
[1] Source: Various online news outlets [2] Source: Athletics Weekly [4] Source: BBC Sport
Despite the enthusiasm from both athletes, Hughes and Hudson-Smith, no specific organizations have been approached about organizing a head-to-head race, similar to the 1997 event between Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson. Nevertheless, Hughes has suggested that Netflix, with its involvement in both athletics and live sport, could be an ideal platform to host such a spectacle.
