In July 2016, he was named to Canada's Olympic team. He placed tenth in the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2016 Olympics. Hughes placed 14th in the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2019 World Athletics Championships. Competing at his second Olympics at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Hughes placed sixth in the steeplechase, the highest-ever placement for a Canadian in the event.