Rai Benjamin Defeats Rival Karsten Warholm In Paris Olympics' 400 Hurdles

American Rai Benjamin finally defeated rival Karsten Walholm of Norway for a major world title, winning the 400 hurdles at the Paris Olympics on Friday.

Benjamin stuck with Warholm, the defending Olympic champ and world record holder, for much of the race and took a lead on the home straight that got bigger when Warholm stumbled slightly over a hurdle.

Benjamin clocked 46.46 followed by Warholm in 47.06 and Alison dos Santos of Brazil in 47.26.

Benjamin, who owns the second-fastest time ever in the event , built confidence with two straight victories over Warholm. One of them came in Monaco just weeks before their showdown in Paris.

But Warholm owned the two most important wins. He edged Benjamin in the Tokyo Olympics as both beat the previous world record. Warholm also won the 2023 World Championships final over the American, who finished third in that race.

But now Benjamin has finally experienced his first triumphant individual moment on track’s biggest stage ― and he did it convincingly against his archrival.