Warholm, Benjamin and Dos Santos set for 400m hurdles showdown in Tokyo
SYDNEY: Karsten Warholm will chase a record-extending fourth world title in the 400 metres hurdles later this month in Tokyo, but the Norwegian faces the toughest of challenges against two other generational rivals.
Warholm, Olympic champion Rai Benjamin and 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos have between them produced the 24 fastest times in history, setting the stage for a world championship final on September 19 that promises to be one of the greatest races ever.
The trio last clashed at the Stockholm Diamond League in June, where Benjamin stormed to victory in a world-leading 46.54 seconds. Dos Santos followed closely in 46.68, with Warholm third in 47.41. “We’re trading blows and that’s what people want to see,” said Benjamin, who also beat Warholm to Olympic gold in Paris last year.
Yet Warholm remains the only man to have broken the 46-second barrier, clocking a staggering 45.94 in Tokyo four years ago. He has also shown sharp form this season, setting a world best in the rarely contested 300m hurdles in Oslo.
With three of the fastest men in history colliding once more at the same National Stadium where Warholm set his world record, the 400m hurdles final is shaping up to be a race for the ages.
