Olympics viewers emotional over Team GB athlete’s mum’s heartbreaking act after he lost out on gold

Viewers of the 2024 Paris Olympics have been left feeling very emotional following footage of an athlete's mum coming to the rescue.

29-year-old Matthew Hudson-Smith, a runner for Team GB, narrowly missed out on winning gold in the 400m final today (8 August).

He was making great pace and seemed poised to take the win in the French capital.

But America's Quincy Hall overtook him seemingly from nowhere and clinched the gold, with Hudson-Smith silver and Zambia's Muzala Samukonga taking home the bronze.

While winning silver at the Olympics is an incredible feat, Hudson-Smith was clearly affected by his loss.

Though he did make history - with his time of 43.44 seconds being the fifth fastest 400m time ever recorded.

Hall won by a nail-bitingly close 43.40 seconds.

After Hall took the win, Hudson-Smith made his way to the stands where he embraced his father before breaking down in tears in front of his mum.

She then embraced him and wiped away his tears in moments that have captured the hearts of viewers all over the world.

People on social media shared their thoughts.

One person said: "Tissues out of the handbag to wipe away tears at world record pace. Lovely moment."

Another added: "Matt Hudson Smith’s mum wiping his tears", followed by broken-heart emojis.

Following the emotional moments, Hudson-Smith told BBC Sport: "It’s crazy. Honestly, sometimes the journey is better than the outcome and it’s been a hell of a journey and I’m just grateful.

"I’m coming home with an Olympic silver, not many people in the world can say that.

"I’ve been the bridesmaid twice now, but my time is coming so I’m just happy. I’m grateful and it’s just the start."

American Quincy Hall was only 4th off the turn, but launches an ALL-TIME kick to win one of the greatest 400m races you'll ever see.

Hall runs 43.40, #4 all-time. GB's Matthew Hudson-Smith runs the fastest non-winning time ever -- 43.44 for silver. What an Olympic final. pic.twitter.com/c4rFG0Zpvf

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) August 7, 2024

He went on to add: "I saw my family and I didn’t even know they were here!

"It was a bit of a shock really because I hate them watching me as well! My mum and my dad don’t really watch me because they hate it, just as much as I hate them watching me.

"It’s crazy that they came and it’s been a hell of a journey, man."

Reflecting on narrowly missing out on gold, he said: "I genuinely thought I had it but he had another gear. I hit the gear a little bit too late and as he came up he had one step on me and that’s it.

"Like I said, it’s just the start really. Time to build. My time’s going to come, it’s only a matter of time."