Rai Benjamin is keeping it light, and promises to keep it lively, ahead of the Stockholm Diamond League on Sunday.
The Olympic champion and U.S. record holder comes into the meeting with momentum from an impressive 2024 season that saw him claim Olympic gold in Paris with a blistering 46.46 seconds, outlasting Karsten Warholm and Alison dos Santos in one of the sport’s most unforgettable 400m hurdles finals.
And while Benjamin’s carefully managed 2025 season has seen him stay largely off the track, aside from a sharp 300m victory in Boston back in February, he’s ready to shake off the rust and test himself against the world’s best once again.
In a pre-race press conference, Benjamin made it clear that he isn’t just aiming for a strong start, he’s already got a celebration in mind.
“It’s my season opener too,” Benjamin told reporters.
“So it’s about executing a good race and seeing where I’m at. But if I win tomorrow, I’m taking my shirt off!”
The American ace, who finished second behind Warholm in Oslo’s 300m hurdles on Thursday with an American best of 33.02 seconds, is eager to return to his signature event and ramp up for a long season that peaks later than usual, with the World Championships slated for September.
“Last year was different,” Benjamin noted.
“Everyone had to be ready earlier because the Games were in July. This year, it’s more about rolling into things and feeling everything out.”
Sunday’s race sets the stage for another epic clash between the sport’s ‘big three’, Benjamin, Dos Santos, and world record holder Warholm. Between them, they own 19 of the 20 fastest times in history, and their battles continue to redefine the event.
Warholm set a blistering world best over 300m hurdles in Oslo, leaving Benjamin and Dos Santos eager to respond in Stockholm.
“It’s always great every time we step on the track together,” Benjamin said.
“You’ve got to be on your A-game. Tomorrow’s about keeping it fun, getting a good one in with these guys, and seeing where I’m at.”
We’ll see if the shirt comes off at the finish line.