Kounta wins European silver over 400 metres

Birmingham – 12 August 2026: Muhammad Abdallah Kounta secured the silver medal in the European Athletics Championships 400 metres for France in Birmingham. The 31-year-old finished second in the final behind Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith. Jonas Phijffers of the Netherlands came third. It is the French delegation’s third medal at these European Championships.

Kounta held his own against Europe’s competition in a highly competitive race. The French sprinter had established himself as a medal contender over the course of the season with several fast performances. On 10 July 2026, he improved his personal best to 44.57 seconds. In Birmingham, he now confirmed his position among Europe’s best runners over one lap of the track.

For Hudson-Smith, the victory in front of a home crowd held special significance. The British European record holder competed at the Alexander Stadium, a venue with which he is closely associated. Before the championships, the organisers named part of the north stand after him. Starting as one of the favourites, he fulfilled high expectations by winning the title.

Phijffers completed the podium for the Netherlands. The 23-year-old had already attracted attention with strong performances during the indoor season and subsequently continued his development outdoors. All three medal winners had occupied leading positions in the European season rankings before the European Championships. The final therefore brought together the runners who have significantly shaped the standard over 400 metres this season.

For Kounta, silver is one of his most significant individual international achievements. He had previously gained experience on the major stage primarily in relay events. At the 2025 World Championships, he was part of the French 4×400-metre relay team that reached the final. His second place in Birmingham strengthens his role as one of France’s strongest quarter-milers.

The European Championships are being held from 10 to 16 August 2026. Alexander Stadium serves as the venue for the track-and-field events and has previously hosted major international sporting events. For France, Kounta’s result improves the interim tally during a championship week in which further decisions in running, jumping and throwing events are still to come.

Kounta’s form should also make him an important selection for the French 4×400-metre relay team. Several runners of comparable calibre are needed in this discipline, as heats and the final demand energy, while baton exchanges can also determine the result. For now, however, his individual success takes centre stage: silver behind Hudson-Smith and ahead of Phijffers, won in one of the strongest European 400-metre races of the season.