Paris Olympics-bound Rai Benjamin defeats world record holder Karsten Warlhom and Alison Dos Santos in an epic finish at Monaco Diamond League

By Zahid Rashid Dar

Modified Jul 12, 2024 19:22 GMT

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USA’s Rai Benjamin has put himself as a favorite for the 400m hurdles gold ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 after defeating Karsten Warholm and Alison Dos Santos at the Monaco Diamond League. The American earlier clocked a world lead of 46.46s at the U.S. Olympic Trials, and with victory over his arch-rivals, he will have a slight edge over the rest heading into Paris.

Benjamin opened his outdoor season in the 400m hurdles at the USATF LA Grand Prix and clocked a world-leading time of 46.64 for the victory. He then raced directly at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials and clocked a new world lead of 46.46 to qualify for his second Olympic Games.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Benjamin won silver behind world record holder Karsten Warholm. In the following two world championships, he had to settle for silver and bronze, with neither Alison Dos Santos nor Karsten Warholm giving him a chance. Although he is the second-fastest man in history, he has yet to win an individual title.

However, it could be a year of change for Rai Benjamin, who claimed earlier this year that he had made some technical adjustments to win the Olympic title. The changes are likely paying off for the American, who has now defeated Karsten Warholm and Alison Dos Santos in a mini-Olympic showdown at the Monaco Diamond League.

Benjamin touched the finish line in 46.67s to edge out Warholm, who came in second in 46.73s. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos finished third in 47.18, while the USA's CJ Allen, who is also competing at the upcoming Paris Olympics, finished 6th in 48.28. Benjamin has now overtaken Warholm in the head-to-head record with four wins in their matchups.

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“Maybe 45, maybe 44, who knows? Sky's the limit”- Rai Benjamin after opening his season with a world lead at the USATF LA Grand Prix

2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Rai Benjamin qualifies for Paris Olympics (Photo-Getty)

Aiming to conquer the final stretch between the last hurdle and the finish line with a blazing 12-second dash, Rai Benjamin has implemented a few technique changes. After he ran 46.64 in his season opener with the new technique, the American was asked what it meant for his season ahead.

“Who knows, maybe 45, maybe 44, who knows? Sky’s the limit. Once I keep coming out and just running well, staying healthy, I think I’m the fastest guy in the field, honestly,” he said. (via World Athletics)

Rai Benjamin boasts the second-fastest time in history (46.17s), while Karsten Warholm remains the only athlete to break the 46-second barrier with his world record of 45.94s. Joining them is Alison Dos Santos, the third-fastest man ever at 46.29s. This historic Paris Olympics matchup between the three fastest hurdlers could witness an epic battle and potentially new personal bests for all.