Benjamin seals Tokyo berth with world-leading 46.83sec
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.
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.
