The three outstanding 400m hurdlers of the era met at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday (12 July 2024), and it was Rai Benjamin who came out on top in the Stade Louis II.

Alison dos Santos had beaten Karsten Warholm in Oslo at the end of May with the Norwegian world record holder clipping the last hurdle. Warholm made his customary fast start with the Brazilian right behind him and Benjamin happy to watch on from third place.

The American made his move on the home bend, easing past dos Santos before drawing level with the Olympic champion. And Benjamin came off the final hurdle the quicker to take victory in 46.67 with Warholm six-hundredths behind.

Reigning world champion dos Santos was third in 47.18 with the three medallists from Tokyo 2020 set to battle it out again next month at Paris 2024. Malik James-King of Jamaica was fourth with Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba fifth.

Despite his win, Benjamin told reporters afterwards that there was room for improvement. He said, “I did not run the race I wanted to execute but it was all about getting in and seeing what I have in me. I did not run the home straight as strong as I usually do but that is OK as I won.

“I still need to get back home and prepare for the rest of the season. Paris is going to be madness. I have to win there. I believe I can do it. I will go back home and try to get as sharp as possible.”