Rai Benjamin clocks a world leading time, Sydney McLauhglin-Levrone blows away a world class field in the 200.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA with her shoe cut out at the heel finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Cockrell of the USA wins women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.75 as Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Cockrell of the USA wins women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.75 as Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Cockrell of the USA wins women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.75 as Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Cockrell of the USA wins women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.75 as Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anna Cockrell of the USA wins women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 53.75 as Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Dalilah Muhammad of the USA finished fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 55.78 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Kyree King of the USA wins the men’s 100m race with a time of 10.11 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA wins the women’s 200m race with a time of 22.07 as Gabby Thomas finished sixth with a time of 22.68 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Michael Norman of the USA wins the 400m race with a time of 44.53 during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Fan react after Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA throws a water bottle into the stands after winning the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alaysha Johnson of the USA finished second with time of 12.57 in the Women’s 100m Hurdles during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabby Thomas of the USA finished fourth with a time of 11.42 in the Women’s 100m B race during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rai Benjamin of the USA wins the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 46.64 for a world record during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alaysha Johnson of the USA finished second with time of 12.57 in the Women’s 100m Hurdles during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alaysha Johnson of the USA finished second with time of 12.57 in the Women’s 100m Hurdles during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alaysha Johnson of the USA finished second with time of 12.57 in the Women’s 100m Hurdles during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Alaysha Johnson of the USA finished second with time of 12.57 in the Women’s 100m Hurdles during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabby Thomas of the USA finished fourth with a time of 11.42 in the Women’s 100m B race during the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix track and field meet at Drake Stadium on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — It’s been a promising week for New York sports.
The Yankees sit atop the American League East. The Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks are a game away from reaching the NBA’s conference finals for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.
And Rai Benjamin, native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., 10550, ran a world leading 46.64 seconds for the 400-meter hurdles at the Los Angeles Grand Prix Saturday and his season opener in the event.
“This is New York’s year,” Benjamin said. “Hopefully my Knicks can close out and the Yankees started off pretty well. Hopefully this is our year.”
Does that include his Olympic year?
“That includes me of course,” he said. “One-hundred percent.”
Benjamin’s lap around UCLA’s Drake Stadium suggested at at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris he might finally capture the gold medal that has eluded him at the last four major championships. The mark shattered the 44-year-old stadium record of 47. 45 set by Edwin Moses, the two-time Olympic champion and widely considered the greatest 400 hurdler in history, at the 1977 U.S. Championships.
The former USC NCAA champion’s post-race comments suggested Benjamin and his coach, Joanna Hayes, the 2004 Olympic 100-meter hurdles champion, have even bigger things in mind.
“Maybe 45 (seconds), maybe 44, who knows?” Benjamin said. “The skies the limit.”
Consider that Kevin Young’s 1992 world record of 46.78 loomed over the sport for like another planet for nearly 20 years until Norway’s Karsten Warholm lowered it to 46.70 in Oslo in 2021 and then again to 45.94 to win the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo later that summer.
I think once I keep coming out and just running well, staying healthy,” Benjamin said “I think I’m the fastest guy in the field, honestly.”
But he was second to Warholm in Tokyo, running 46.17, the second fastest time in history, and at the 2019 World Championships in Doha before picking up another silver at the 2022 Worlds in Eugene, this time behind Brazil’s Alison dos Santos. Benjamin was third in last summer’s Worlds but rebounded to hold off Warholm 46.39 to 46.53 at the Diamond League final at the Prefontaine Classic last September with dos Santos well back in fourth.
“I feel like I’ve shown that I could race well on the conditions we all raced when we were in shape in Oregon at the Diamond League final and I showed everyone I could win,” Benjamin said. “It’s not really a confidence thing. I think the past couple of years I’ve been dealing with injuries going into the championship season, so that kind of hindered me a lot fitness wise and technique wise. Not having races and practices catch up to you when it’s, you can get away with a lot of things when it’s the beginning of the season. But when it’s championship time the margin for error is very, very slim.”
To erase that championship margin Hayes and Benjamin have overhauled his race from start to finish, including how many steps he takes between hurdles, working on 12 steps instead of his regular 13.
“We changed a lot,” Benjamin said. “Changed the race plan. We can get away with 13 this time of year. But championship season, I have to go 12s on the backstretch, to at least three or four.”
Sydney McLaughin-Levrone, the Olympic champion and world record-holder, has also refocused on the 400 hurdles this spring after a 2022 season in which she hoped to break Marita Koch of East Germany’s 1995 world 400 record of 47.60 ended in injury.
McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 4×100 relay leg at the Mt. SAC Relays last month, then clocked a world class 12.71 100 hurdles victory at Occidental.
Saturday she blew away a 200 field that included two Olympic medal contenders with a 22.07 clocking into a slight head-wind.
“Honestly, I would have loved to have got 21.99,” she said “but I’m really happy with that.”
Abby Steiner, the 2022 U.S. champion in the 200, was second at 22.32, with Gabby Thomas, the 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, the silver medalist at the 2023 Worlds, sixth in 22.68.
“Honestly I think we started the season out just seeing where it went,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “I think today’s race was just trying to see where we are speed wise.”
Her season is headed back to the 400 hurdles, an event where she broke the world record four times in 2021 and 2022, lowering it to 50.68 in winning the 2022 Worlds. She ruled out attempting a 400 and 400 hurdles double in Paris.
“The 400 hurdles is my bread and butter,” she said. “It’s what I’m most comfortable with. So we’re going to get back to that.
“Just wanting to come back after last season and just stick to one event and doing it the best I can, be healthy, which we are and I’m very happy about.”
Benjamin also downplayed his afternoon.
“I’m not trying to think too much on it because the Olympics aren’t today which is May 17, 18th,” he said. “They’re in August. So just keep the ball rolling and focus on running well there. This was one was great but I’m already forgetting about it.”
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