Rai Benjamin Became World Champion in the 400-meter Hurdles on Friday after Some Commotion. The American was initially disqualified, but after intervention by the video referee, he was Allowed to Receive the Gold Medal.
Benjamin Crossed the Finish Line first with a time or 46.52 Seconds, followed by Alison Dos Santos (46.84) and Abderrahman Samba (47.06). After a few minutes, Benjamin was Disqualified for “Moving a Hurdle and Thereby Influencing Another Athlete”.
Benjamin had Touched the Last Hurdle. Due to that contact, his Hurdle Came Into contact with the hurdle in the lane next to him, where Nathaniel Ezekiel was running. That Meant a Disqualification for Benjamin, who won Olympic Gold in the 400-meter Hurdles last year.
Ezekiel was not much bothered by the contact, as he was fifth at the last hurdle and came close to the bronze medal. “It Didn’t Affect Me Much,” He said at nbcsports . The Video Referee Therefore Intervented and Still Awarded the Gold Medal to Benjamin.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria Did Appeal Against the Decision, in order to Still Get Ezekiel a Bronze Medal. The Protest was Rejected by World Athletics, Allowing Benjamin to Win his First Gold Medal at the World Championships.
Benjamin May Still Win a Medal on Sunday, when he will compete in the 4×400 meter relay with the American team.
