Warholm, Benjamin and Dos Santos Set for 400m Hurdles Showdown
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The men’s 400m hurdles is set for one of its most anticipated races of the 2026 season, with Karsten Warholm, Rai Benjamin and Alison dos Santos expected to compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
The three leading athletes are scheduled to meet in the Hungarian capital this week, creating a highly competitive field featuring the reigning Olympic champion, a former world record holder and the athlete who recently set a new world best.
Brazil’s Alison dos Santos enters the competition with strong momentum after producing a world-record performance in the 400m hurdles at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.
The Brazilian athlete believes the meeting of the three stars will add significant excitement to the event.
Three Leading Names Meet Again
Warholm has remained one of the strongest performers in the event throughout the season and has consistently posted times in the 46-second range.
Dos Santos, meanwhile, arrives in Budapest after breaking the world record in Zurich. The Brazilian is currently enjoying one of the best periods of his career.
Rai Benjamin presents another major challenge. The American is the reigning Olympic and world champion and has focused largely on the flat 400m this season.
Benjamin has competed in only one 400m hurdles race during the campaign, recording an impressive 46.67 seconds at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting.
Dos Santos Expects a Close Contest
Dos Santos said having all three athletes in the same final makes the competition even more special.
He compared the situation to watching several world-class football players compete in the same match, saying that the presence of all three leading hurdlers creates an even greater spectacle for fans.
The Brazilian also expressed confidence that Warholm and Benjamin will arrive ready to compete at their best.
Warholm has been performing consistently throughout the season, while Benjamin’s previous achievements suggest he will be a serious contender despite his limited hurdles appearances this year.
Race Could Become a Season Highlight
The upcoming final could provide the first opportunity this season for Dos Santos, Warholm and Benjamin to race each other in the 400m hurdles.
With all three athletes possessing major championship experience and impressive personal records, the result could depend on execution, consistency and performance on race day.
Dos Santos said he is looking forward to sharing the final with his two major rivals and seeing which athlete can finish ahead.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest will therefore provide a major stage for one of the most competitive events in track and field, with three of the sport’s biggest 400m hurdles names competing for the title.
