Three-time Olympic gold medalist and former USC Trojans standout Rai Benjamin made his long-awaited return to the track in Oslo, Norway, competing in the 300-meter hurdles during the Diamond League meet. This marked his first hurdles race since winning gold in Paris nearly a year ago. In a highly anticipated matchup, he faced off against Karsten Warholm, the 400-meter Olympic champion, and Alison dos Santos, a world champion and Olympic medalist in the same event.
Together, the trio widely recognized as the “Big Three” of the 400-meter hurdles represent the fastest men in the event’s history. Whenever they meet, the stakes are high and records are often shattered. This race was no different: Benjamin surged ahead early and clocked a personal best of 33.22 seconds, but Warholm closed strong to set a new world record of 32.67. Dos Santos placed third with 33.38.
The three stars will meet again in their signature event, the 400-meter hurdles, at the Stockholm Diamond League meet later this week. For Benjamin, it will be his first race over the full hurdles distance since his Olympic victory, and he’s eager for a shot at redemption against Warholm.
Still, Benjamin remains focused on the long-term, prioritizing health and longevity over racing frequently. “Running a lot of meets can wear you out,” he said. “I don’t need many races to get ready for championships. Once I’m healthy, that’s the focus we’re selective. I want to be fast every time I race.”
His coach, Olympic gold medalist Joanna Hayes, emphasized this strategy: “He’s had a lot of injuries, so every race has to make sense. He knows his body, and we make careful decisions to keep him in peak condition.”
Off the track, Benjamin has been collaborating with fellow Olympic champions Noah Lyles and Grant Holloway on a podcast. The trio has been building their public personas and engaging fans as they look ahead to future championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“It’s about branding and letting people see who we are as athletes and as people,” Benjamin said. “With the LA Olympics coming up, we want to build that connection with fans early.”
As the World Championships approach and the spotlight begins to shift toward the 2028 Games, athletes like Benjamin are not just racing they’re working to become iconic figures in and out of the sport. America loves winners with personality, and Benjamin is making sure he delivers both.
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