"That's 100 gigs for your head top" - Rai Benjamin announces end of 2024 season after winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics

By Abhiruchi Rout

Modified Aug 28, 2024 19:39 GMT

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American sprinter and hurdler Rai Benjamin has decided to conclude his 2024 season following his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. Benjamin had a remarkable campaign at the quadrennial games, securing two gold medals.

After achieving a silver medal in his signature 400m hurdles event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Benjamin successfully upgraded his medal collection by securing the gold in the event at the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old accomplished the feat by recording a season-best mark in the discipline in a time of 46.46s as he secured a dominant win against the Tokyo Olympic champion Karsten Warholm (47.06).

Benjamin then added another gold to his tally as he was instrumental in the United States’ Olympic record-setting performance of 2:54.43 during the final of the men's 4x400m relay event. The contest was a nailbiter, with Botswana securing the silver medal with an African record time of 2:54.53.

Following his successful campaign in Paris, Benjamin announced his decision to conclude his 2024 season via posts on his social media accounts (both X and Instagram). He wrote,

“That’s a wrap on the season for the Golden boy. And that’s 100 gigs for your head top 😤🇺🇸⭐️🦅”

At the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Benjamin secured his qualification for the Summer Olympics in Paris by winning the 400m hurdles event with a meet record time of 46.46 seconds. CJ Allen and Trevor Bassitt were the other two athletes who earned Olympic berths by finishing second and third with times of 47.81 seconds and 47.82 seconds, respectively, at the trials.

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Rai Benjamin to not defend his Diamond League title

Rai Benjamin at the Doha Diamond League 2023 meet, a part of Wanda Diamond League series. (Photo via Getty Images)

Rai Benjamin's recent announcement implies that the American athlete won’t be defending his 400m hurdles title at the 2024 Diamond League finals.

At the 2023 Diamond League finals held in Eugene, Oregon, Benjamin recorded a meet record time of 46.39s to become the champion, ahead of world record holder Karsten Warholm, who clocked 46.53s. Notably, this was Benjamin’s first-ever Diamond League title.

In the 2024 season, Benjamin competed in the Monaco Diamond League, where he secured a victory with a time of 46.67 seconds, defeating Warholm (46.73 seconds) and Alison dos Santos (47.18 seconds).

The 2024 Diamond League finals are scheduled for September 13 and 14 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium.