Benjamin seals Tokyo berth with world-leading 46.83sec

Rai Benjamin

Jun 26, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Rai Benjamin poses after winning the 400m hurdles in a meet-record 46.83 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Rai Benjamin stormed to victory with the second-fastest 400m hurdles time in history on Saturday at the US Olympic track and field trials in Oregon.

The 23-year-old world championships silver medallist went out slowly over the first 200m before accelerating off the final bend to demolish his rivals with a world-leading time of 46.83secs.

ADVERTISEMENT

Only world record-holder Kevin Young, whose mark of 46.78sec has stood since 1992, has ever run faster.

Benjamin, the son of former West Indies Test cricketer Winston Benjamin, was racing against the clock as he pulled away down the stretch.

Kenny Selmon finished second to clinch a place at the Olympics in a personal best 48.08sec while David Kendziera grabbed the third qualifying spot with a time of 48.38sec.

RELATED STORIES

Read Next

EDITORS’ PICK

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.