Matthew Hudson-Smith took umbrage with the BBC suggesting he was carrying an injury during his charge to the 400m gold medal.
Hudson-Smith strode to victory at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham with a sizzling time of 44.17 seconds.
France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta finished just behind, crossing the line 0.23 seconds later.
Hudson-Smith’s win marked the third time he’d secured gold in the 400m at the event, having done so in 2018 and 2022.
And the 31-year-old, who hails from Wolverhampton, celebrated his latest triumph in fitting fashion.
Having claimed gold yet again, Hudson-Smith posed for a snap in front of a temporary stand at the Alexander Stadium that had been re-named in his honour.
Why did Hudson-Smith take a thinly-veiled swipe at the BBC?
Yet amid his crowning moment, Hudson-Smith took the time to aim a sly dig at the BBC, who questioned whether he was fully fit having slowed down towards the finish during the semi-final.
“I cannot describe what this means to me,” Hudson-Smith said.
“I was watching a BBC newscast. You guys need to come up with the facts, man. Saying I was injured and everything.
“The whole point of rounds is to survive and advance. I tried to conserve rounds. Me and my coach were laughing all the way around.
“We have a couple of big races coming up – Diamond League final and the Ultimate Championships. It’s about conserving yourself and getting ready.
“I knew I was the best in the world. I knew that. On paper, I was a second faster than these guys. My coach said, once you seal the deal, make sure you do it. This is your home. Defend it.
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“I knew it would take one hell of an effort to get past me. Every time someone beats me, I kind of end their career.
“I knew for them to beat me, they would have to have a supernatural moment.”
How many times has Hudson-Smith won the 400m at the European Championships?
Hudson-Smith’s triumph has also now cemented him as the greatest European 400m runner in history.
His three gold medals surpassed the two won by Roger Black and Martyn Rooney.
And the Wolverhampton native cheekily declared he now has an even bigger goal in mind with a possible new career.
“Honestly, I never dreamt of this,” Hudson-Smith added.
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“I cannot describe what this means to me.
“I have got my stand. Now I will go for Mayor of Birmingham and Wolverhampton.”
The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham wrap up on August 16.
