Sprinter Matt Hudson-Smith becomes Wolverhampton mayor for a day

A champion sprinter has had the “insane experience” of becoming mayor for the day after a tongue-in-cheek comment.

When Matt Hudson-Smith won his historic 400m gold in front of a home crowd at the European Championships in Birmingham in August, he joked: “I’m going to go for Mayor of Birmingham and Wolverhampton!”

And now his wish has come true – with city leaders handing him Wolverhampton’s mayoral chain of office and giving him the ceremonial role for a day.

“This is an insane experience and learning the history about Wolverhampton and just being here as a whole is something I’m not taking for granted,” said the 31-year-old.

After Hudson-Smith made the comment at the championship win, Stephen Simkins – leader of Wolverhampton City Council – said he was “sure” he could give him “the civic chains for a day”.

“I kind of said it a little bit tongue in cheek, but I’m glad he let me do this role,” said Hudson-Smith.

“It’s pretty powerful. Not many people can have this opportunity and be here, so I’m just quite grateful.

“It’s very different, it’s honestly not what I expected but I’m loving every second of it.”

Hudson-Smith’s win in August put him in the record books, with his latest gold meaning he is now the joint-most decorated man of all-time at European Championships.

His victory came as he ran past a temporary stand named in his honour at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, where he grew up honing his running skills.

Born and bred in Wolverhampton, Hudson-Smith said representing his home city remained important to him despite his success on the world stage.

“I’m always proud. I always say I’m from Wolves,” he said.

“I always try and represent the city as best as I can and show everyone from here that we can do it.

“We’re a tiny city, so if I can do it anyone can do it. I’m proud to be here and proud to represent.”