Rai Benjamin Claims Gold in 400-Meter Hurdles at Paris Olympics
- Rai Benjamin won gold in the 400-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics with a time of 46.46 seconds.
- He finished ahead of defending champion Karsten Warholm, who won silver.
- This victory marks his redemption after winning silver at the Tokyo Games.
SAINT-DENIS, France — American sprinter Rai Benjamin secured a gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles final at the Paris Olympics on Friday, triumphing over world-record-holder Karsten Warholm of Norway and Brazil's Alison dos Santos. Benjamin clocked a time of 46.46 seconds, finishing decisively ahead of Warholm, who recorded 47.06 seconds, and Dos Santos at 47.26 seconds. Despite an awkward landing after the eighth hurdle, Benjamin maintained his lead, marking a significant comeback after winning silver behind Warholm at the Tokyo Games in 2021. This victory represents Benjamin's second Olympic gold, having previously been part of the 4x400 relay team that won in Tokyo. The 27-year-old athlete faced challenges leading up to the Olympics, including a nerve flare-up that affected his performance. "It does suck to see people doubting your abilities," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of proving himself right. His determination paid off as he matched his seasonal best time, showcasing resilience against the odds. Earlier in the day, fellow American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the women's 400-meter hurdles, finishing in 50.37 seconds, surpassing her own previous record of 50.65 seconds. The success of Team USA continued to shine in track and field events, with Benjamin's gold medal adding to the nation's achievements at the Games. Reflecting on his win, Benjamin expressed his joy, stating, "I can’t believe I actually finally did it." The victory was particularly meaningful for him, as it came after a year of adversity and injury, solidifying his place among the elite in track and field.