Paris Olympics: Rai Benjamin to be rehabilitated in men’s 400m hurdles

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SAINT-DENIS, France — Three years ago, American Rai Benjamin and Norwegian Karsten Warholm fought one of the most epic duels of the Tokyo Olympics.

They both shattered the previous world record in the men’s 400m hurdles, yet only Warholm was left with a gold medal around his neck.

Benjamin returned to the Olympic stage Friday night determined to avenge that loss and win his first individual gold at a world championship event. He also settled for silver or bronze behind Warholm or Brazil’s Alison dos Santos at all three of the most recent World Athletics Championships.

Under pressure to fill the biggest gap in his resume while in his prime, Benjamin, 27, finally delivered. He finally beat rivals Warholm and dos Santos when it mattered most, finishing in 46.46 to claim his first Olympic gold.

For Benjamin, the victory was both joyous and cathartic. He is no longer the Charles Barkley or Dan Marino of the 400 hurdles. Now he has a gold medal to validate himself as perhaps the event’s standard-bearer.

Benjamin, in lane 7, and Warholm in lane 6, were tied after 300 meters. But then Benjamin’s strength took over. When Warholm hit the second-to-last hurdle, the race was over.

Warholm took silver in 47.06. Dos Santos took bronze (47.26).