Rai Benjamin edges out Karsten Warholm in men’s 400m hurdles
2024.07.14
On Friday, July 12, 2024, the three greatest 400-meter hurdlers of all time battled at the Monaco Diamond League, with Rai Benjamin emerging victorious in the Stade Louis II.
In late May, Alison dos Santos defeated Karsten Warholm in Oslo, with the world record holder from Norway barely clearing the final obstacle. Benjamin was content to watch from third position as Warholm made his usual quick start, followed closely by the Brazilian.
During the home turn, the American took the lead and passed dos Santos, bringing the Olympic champion and himself even. Warholm trailed Benjamin by six hundredths of a second when Benjamin cleared the last hurdle faster and won in 46.67.
The current world champion, dos Santos, finished third with a time of 47.18. The three Tokyo 2020 medalists will compete one again in Paris 2024 the following month. Abderrahman Samba of Qatar came in fifth, while Malik James-King of Jamaica came in fourth.
Benjamin admitted to reporters that he could have done better even if he had won. He declared, “It was all about getting in and seeing what I have in me; I did not run the race I wanted to execute.” Even though I didn’t sprint the home straight as well as I normally do, I still won.
“I still need to get back home and prepare for the rest of the season. Paris is going to be madness. I have to win there. I believe I can do it. I will go back home and try to get as sharp as possible.”
@charith
