Team GB’s Matthew Hudson-Smith reveals he is eager to emulate former house-mate Noah Lyles’ success as he goes for Olympic glory in 400 metres

Matthew Hudson-Smith used to live with Noah Lyles – now he wants to emulate his former house-mate’s success.

The British 400 metres runner has been close friends with the American sprint star ever since he moved from the Midlands to train in Florida in 2017.

On Sunday night, Hudson-Smith will begin his Olympic campaign at the Stade de France, shortly before Lyles goes for gold in the 100m.

And the 29-year-old hopes both he and Lyles will be celebrating come the end of the Games in Paris.

‘We’ve been training with each other for years and I also lived with him,’ revealed Hudson-Smith, who received a bear hug from Lyles after he broke his own European record in London last month.

British 400 metres runner Hudson-Smith became close friends with Lyles in Florida

‘I’ve got a very close relationship with him and his brother Josephus. I was actually called “the third Lyles” at one point!

‘I’ve seen behind the scenes all the hard work Noah puts in and I am proud of him. He’s a bit controversial at times but I know the real him. He’s a good person.

Hudson-Smith says that he is ready to impress and spoke of his improved maturity

‘He’s my boy and I’m proud of his successes as he is with mine. I will always be rooting for him. He has his own mission, as do I. What he is doing is good – but I want my own success.’

Hudson-Smith claimed silver at last year’s World Championships and is the favourite to upgrade that to gold on Wednesday night, having run faster than any of his rivals this year, clocking 43.74sec in London.

‘I’m ready,’ he said. ‘If you want to win it, you’ve got to take it from me. It’s been a long road but I think maturity, growth and being a total overall athlete has allowed me to be the best version of myself.’