From heaven to hell and back.
Rai Benjamin crossed the line first, was disqualified then restored as the new men’s 400m hurdles champion in a season-best of 46.52 at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 on Friday (19 September).
Alison dos Santos of Brazil was awarded silver in 46.84, Abderrahman Samba bronze in 47.06, a season best for the Qatari.
Defending world and Olympic champions Karsten Warholm was fifth with a 47.58 after hitting a couple of hurdles at the very stadium where he set the world record of 45.94 at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Warholm said he felt something after the start.
“I had something happen when I got out of the block, like a little strain in my left thigh,” the Norwegian said.
“I don’t know if it’s a hamstring or knee. Trying to hurdle with it wasn’t good. I also crashed the third hurdle. I tried to push but it was just a terrible race.
“A disaster. I knew I was good and that’s why this outcome is disappointing. It’s just s***.”
AloJapan.com