If you’ve been following the meteoric rise of British sprinter Matthew Hudson-Smith, you’ve likely heard the name Gary Evans thrown around. He’s the man behind Hudson-Smith’s transformation into one of the world’s top 400-meter runners, a coach who’s taken an already talented athlete and turned him into a record-breaking, medal-winning machine. But who exactly is Gary Evans, and what’s his story? Let’s dive in and get to know the guy steering Hudson-Smith toward greatness.

Who is Gary Evans? Matthew Hudson-Smith’s Coach

Gary Evans initially gained notoriety as an elite athlete at Truman State University (then Northeast Missouri State), where he ran as a hurdler and sprinter in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His on-track experience wasn’t solely for selfish reasons—he was a member of a relay team that won an NCAA Division II championship in 1980, a flavor of victory that most likely fueled his passion for coaching.

Once he retired from his spikes, Evans made the jump to coaching, beginning with junior programs and making his way to the professional ranks. Throughout the years, he’s coached at all levels, high school to pro, and even spent time working with young runners through military youth programs, demonstrating his dedication to building the sport from the grassroots level. His diverse coaching résumé speaks volumes about his adaptability and long-term investment in athlete growth.

What is most impressive about Evans is his no-nonsense, athlete-first mentality. He’s not one of those showy coaches looking for the limelight—he’s all about the results. His quiet yet commanding presence makes him a coach athletes want in their corner when stakes are high. When he joined forces with Matthew Hudson-Smith in 2022, it was obvious that this was a partnership based on mutual respect and a shared desire to succeed.

Gary Evans’s Career Highlights and Achievements

Standout moments that document his talent for shaping talent into the extraordinary punctuated Evans’s coaching career. He left his mark at Truman State, where he coached after his competitive years. In 1998, the university inducted him into its Hall of Fame, a testament to his worth as an athlete and coach. While there, he led teams to several conference championships and assisted athletes in claiming individual honors, showing he could translate potential into podium finishes.

Beyond the college ranks, Evans has worked with a range of athletes, including some big names in the sprinting world. He’s been a key figure in the U.S. track scene, coaching at high schools and youth programs before stepping up to train professionals. One of his notable stints was with the Air Force’s youth track initiatives, where he spent years shaping young runners into disciplined, competitive athletes. It’s the kind of groundwork that doesn’t always make headlines but builds the foundation for a coach who knows how to handle pressure and nurture talent.

Evans is most likely to be recognized today for his collaboration with Hudson-Smith, but he’s also worked as a coach with sprinting great Justin Gatlin, which gives him even more credibility on his resume. His capacity to modify his approach to meet the needs of various athletes—whether they are raw novices or experienced professionals—has established him as an admired figure within the track community. And the

achievements speak for themselves. After working with him, Hudson-Smith has broken European records and accumulated medals at the elite level.

How Gary Evans Rebuilt Matthew Hudson-Smith’s Sprinting Career

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty—how did Gary Evans transform Matthew Hudson-Smith from a gifted but struggling sprinter into a world force? It’s one of trust, hard love, and a whole lot of hard graft. Hudson-Smith himself has spoken about how instrumental Evans has been, and their journey began with a casual coffee shop conversation that changed everything.

It’s 2022, and Hudson-Smith is at a crossroads. He’s fought injuries, personal setbacks, and a dip in form that kept him out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He’s got the raw speed—his 44.97-second 400-meter run as a teenager in 2014 proved that—but life had thrown some curveballs. Enter Gary Evans, who sits him down in a Starbucks and explains it straight up and straightforward: “So long as you trust me and do the hard work, it’ll be all right.” Hudson-Smith remembers the moment well, saying he explained to Evans, “As long as you’re real with me, I’ll put all the work in and do whatever I need to do for you.” That was the honesty that established the foundation for what’s become one of track’s greatest coach-athlete relationships.

Evans didn’t merely fine-tune Hudson-Smith’s training—he reconstructed it. Having relocated to the U.S. to train under Evans in Florida, Hudson-Smith discovered a coach who realized his strengths and could correct his flaws. Evans imposed structure and discipline, yet a personal approach. Hudson-Smith has indicated their initial meeting lasted three hours—an eternity for a man who insists he’s not really a chatterbox. That exposure forged a connection, and Evans was more than a coach; he became a mentor who guided Hudson-Smith off the track as much as on it.

The results came fast. In 2022, Hudson-Smith broke the British 400-meter record with a 44.35-second run at the Prefontaine Classic, then went on to snag bronze at the World Championships—his first individual medal at that level. He followed it up with gold at the European Championships and silver at the Commonwealth Games, all in the same year. Evans’ game plan was working: get Hudson-Smith back to his explosive 2014 form, but with the maturity and mileage to sustain it.

Flash forward to 2024, and the collaboration reached new heights. Hudson-Smith broke his own European record with a scorching 43.74 seconds at the London Diamond League, then claimed silver at the Paris Olympics with a 43.44-second performance—making him the fifth-quickest 400-meter runner in history. Even when he didn’t grab gold, coming up short to Quincy Hall by a hair, Hudson-Smith gave credit to Evans’s plan, stating, “

I ran it exactly the way my coach told me to.” That faith has been the cornerstone of his revival.

Evans’s influence transcends the statistics. He has assisted Hudson-Smith in overcoming mental barriers, as well. Following a turbulent time in 2021 when he came close to leaving the sport behind, Hudson-Smith discovered in Evans someone who had faith in him at a time when he doubted himself. “He’s still building me up as a person,” Hudson-Smith has stated, and that is the type of mentoring that pivots good athletes into great ones.