American Rai Benjamin has earned medals at the past four global championships but at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he finally landed a long-awaited gold by winning the men’s 400m hurdles.
Three-time 400m hurdles world champion Karsten Warholm has lauded Olympic champion Rai Benjamin for showing grit and bagging gold in Paris amidst the cut-throat competition.
The Norwegian whose title defense went up in smoke in the French capital after winning the Tokyo Olympics, was gracious in defeat. “Rai did a great job. In my head, I deserved it as well, but this is not charity. I have to smile a little bit about the silver medal,” the two-time Diamond League champion told World Athletics.
Rai Benjamin feel relieved he finally won the Olympic 400m hurdles gold, the only trophy that was missing in his cabinet and his reaction reveals mission a accomplished.
Of the three 400m hurdlers who since 2021 had run the event faster than ever, only one – Rai Benjamin – had yet to win an individual global title. That changed in 2024 when the US hurdler became one of nine athletes to win an Olympic gold medal while also going unbeaten during their entire season.
In Paris, Benjamin equalled his season’s best to win in 46.46, edging rivals Warholm, the world record-holder and previous gold medalist in Tokyo, and 2022 world champion Alison Dos Santos of Brazil.
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Benjamin, drawn in lane eight with Warholm one lane inside him, got off to a strong start as his Norwegian rival matched him barrier for barrier throughout the first half. On the top bend, Benjamin started to forge a lead. By the time they entered the home straight, Benjamin was noticeably ahead and continuing to pull away.
After successfully negotiating the final barrier, Benjamin charged through the line in 46.46. Warholm held on for silver, holding off a fast-finishing Dos Santos in lane three, who finished third in 47.26. Benjamin is a two-time world champion and the 2023 Diamond League winner.
