Benjamin triumphs over Warholm to win Olympic 400m hurdles gold

PARIS: Rai Benjamin finally got the better of his great rival Karsten Warholm to claim the Olympic 400 meters hurdles title on Friday, continuing the United States’ athletics gold rush and thwarting the Norwegian’s attempt to become the second man to retain the title.

Benjamin, who finished second behind Warholm in the Tokyo final and has twice collected silvers and a bronze in World Championships behind the Norwegian, always looked in control of the race. He equaled his season’s best with a time of 46.46 seconds, finally achieving the victory that had eluded him for so long.

World record holder Warholm, who has struggled to reach his usual peak performance this season, fought hard to the finish to secure silver with a time of 47.06 seconds. Brazilian Alison dos Santos, who took bronze in Tokyo and only made Friday’s final as a fast loser, claimed the bronze again with a time of 47.26 seconds, as the three fastest men ever to run the event filled the podium.

“I can’t believe I actually finally did it,” the 27-year-old Benjamin told reporters, expressing his disbelief and joy at finally conquering his long-time rival.