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SAINT-DENIS, France Three years ago, Americas Rai Benjamin and Norways Karsten Warholm waged one of the Tokyo Olympics most epic duels.
They both shattered the previous mens 400-meter hurdles world record. And yet only Warholm left with a gold medal around his neck.
Benjamin returned to the Olympic stage on Friday night, determined to avenge that loss and win his first individual gold at a global championship meet. He also settled for silver or bronze behind Warholm or Brazils Alison dos Santos at all three of track and fields most recent World Championships.
Facing pressure to fill the biggest hole in his resume while in his athletic prime, Benjamin, 27, finally delivered. He at last beat his rivals Warholm and dos Santos when it mattered most, finishing in 46.46 to claim his first Olympic gold.
Benjamin, in Lane 7, and Warholm in Lane 6, were even through 300 meters. But then Benjamin’s power took over. When Warholm clipped the second-to-last hurdle, the race was over.
Warholm did grab silver in 47.06. Dos Santos took bronze (47.26).
For Benjamin, the victory was both joyous and cathartic. No longer is he the Charles Barkley or Dan Marino of the 400 hurdles. Now he has a gold medal to validate himself as maybe the events standard bearer.