Dobson aiming for more headlines at World Championships after statement London win

Charlie Dobson has already written headlines this year thanks to a shock victory over British star Matt Hudson-Smith and heads to the World Athletics Championships hoping to create more.

The Colchester sprinter delivered a personal best performance at the London Diamond League in July to pip Olympic silver medallist Hudson-Smith to 400m gold.

And while he refused to be drawn on whether it is a developing rivalry within the British team, the 25-year-old certainly felt encouraged by the display.

“It was a massive confidence boost. To win the race was amazing, but obviously the time as well was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself,” he reflected.

“Just to be in amongst people like Matt, who's the Olympic silver medallist, and World Championship bronze and silver medallist.

“The opportunity to beat him is pretty incredible, as well as some other big names, and to do it in front of a home crowd as well was awesome.”

Dobson came from behind to finish strong and secure a personal best of 44.14 at the London Stadium as well as victory, with Hudson-Smith completing a British one-two in 44.27.

But despite securing the gold medal in place of his teammate, the Brit is refusing to label it a rivalry quite yet.

“I'll let him answer that if he wants to,” he responded.

“There's always going to be a bit [of rivalry] when you've got two British athletes running fast over the same distance.

“Matt's been at the top of the game for a lot longer, so he's got a lot more experience and he's got a significantly faster PB, in fairness.

“I fully expect him to run well in two weeks' time and get close to his PB. Again, it comes down to it on the day, and London proved that.”

Dobson’s motivation comes down to far more than external motivation in the form of Hudson-Smith.

Having just missed out on qualification for the 400m finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics last summer, he is determined he will not miss out at the World Championships that get underway on 13th September.

And as well as writing those wrongs, Dobson also hopes he can once again smash his own personal best in Tokyo.

“Making the final is a big thing for me,” he said - speaking at a Novuna-backed British camp – with the company financing the ambitions of millions across the UK, from helping business grow and individuals plan for the future, to backing British Athletics on the global stage.

“I was a little disappointed from Paris last year, not making the final. I only missed out by one or two spots.

“That was pretty close, and I was disappointed in myself. Making the final this year is definitely up there with my ambitions.

“I'd also like to run a sub-44. That would be a pretty nice end to the year. It'll be what it is.

“I don't pay attention to world standings because ultimately it comes down to whoever's ready on the day. You can't read too much into rankings.

“I don't want to put pressure on myself but I feel good. I'm expecting a decent result.”

Dobson will have two shots at potential silverware, too, as he is set to compete in an impressively strong British men’s 4x400m team that won bronze at Paris 2024.

With plenty of racing ahead, he is taking time to settle into his new surroundings having shaken of the jet-lag, and feels raring to help Great Britain return with medals round their necks.

“I'm really excited. It's been a good few weeks of training leading up to now. Since we've been out here, we’ve had a few shake-out sessions and a first running session,” said Dobson.

“The first couple of days were a bit rough, waking up at 3am, 5am, and not being able to sleep past that but I'm all good now. I got over it fairly quickly, which is good, and I’m just excited.”

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