World champion Karsten Warholm was defeated for the second time this month in the 400m hurdles.
At the start of September in Zurich, Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands shocked the Norwegian whereas on Saturday in Eugene the victory went to Rai Benjamin of the United States.
Out-sprinting Warholm in the home straight, Benjamin clocked a Diamond League record and world leading mark of 46.39 as Warholm finished runner-up in 46.53 with McMaster third in 47.31.
Two years ago Benjamin won Olympic silver in 46.17 behind Warholm’s world record of 45.94, but last month he was disappointed to finish third in the world final in Budapest.
“I came out here with no expectation, just to have fun and close out the season,” said Benjamin. “But what matters is winning at major championships and I haven’t done that yet.”
“Over the last hurdle I was feeling good,” said Warholm. “I thought I had it, but when he comes to the side you know that he’s gonna pass you because he has higher speed over the last hurdle.”
“It’s never fun to experience but I guess that’s how people sometimes feel racing against me as well. That’s sports, but I don’t like to lose.”
Source: AW
