Mount Vernon's Rai Benjamin Becoming Fast Favorite In Tokyo

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Hudson Valley hometown hero may soon be a household name around the globe.

Rai Benjamin is the odds on favorite to take home the gold in the 400-meter hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics, which kick off on Friday with opening ceremonies. The former Mount Vernon High School student, who went on to run for USC, is already garnering attention for his ability to maintain a world record pace.

Benjamin qualified to represent Team USA by winning by more than 1 second in the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon with a time of 46.83. His time was .05 seconds away from the world record time set nearly three decades ago.

“It hurts a little bit to know that it was right there and I couldn’t grab it,” Benjamin told TeamUSA at the time. “But it’s just more fuel for the fire. It’ll come when it comes.”

The second fastest 400-meter runner in history said coming so close to sports immortality will only add to his motivation to make a strong showing in Tokyo. The 23-year-old will put that goal to the test soon and the eyes of Mount Vernon, the country and the world will be watching.

The men’s 400-meter hurdles will be broadcast on NBC. Round one will air July 29 at 9:55 p.m. The semi-finals will be shown at 8:05 a.m. on August 1, and the final will be live on the air at 11:20 p.m. on August 2.