By Samuel Peters
“I Just love the sport and I love running and you know to an extent I love beating people as well.”
Those were the words of Rai Benjamin, the fastest man in the world over the 400 metres hurdles speaking on the popular Good Morning Jojo sports show.
The 27-year-old long distance specialist was asked how he stays grounded having won gold and silver in sport.
He explained that he is not satisfied by the medals due to his love for the sport and running, so after every success he restarts forgetting past glory.
The 6’3 athlete who represented the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda during his teenage years and changed his allegiance to the United States of America was victorious during the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing two gold medals.
He is of the belief that he got his drive for continued success from his parents.
He stated that, “my dad hustles or anyone that lives in Antigua, you know, he’s out moving around doing something, so he just don’t know how to sit down and just chill, and he always trying to look out for somebody else but himself
“So I feel like I just kind of got a little bit of that from him and then a little bit of the drive and motivation and ambition from my mom as well.”
The 400-metre distance, whether it be hurdles or the 4×400 relays are seen as fun for Benjamin.
“It’s fun for me really; when you find something that you really enjoy and it doesn’t feel like a job, it just makes it easier to show up every day and do what you love doing.”
Due to Benjamin’s strong ties to the twin island, with both parents being Antiguan, the athlete received a great amount of praise and commendations and in return he thanked everyonr for their continued support.
“And I just want to say to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, like, thank you guys so, so much. I mean, I’ve seen all the support from you guys. I know that, you know, there’s a different flag on my chest, but, you know, from the heart and and my soul, you know, I grew up in Newfield.
“I went to Sunnyside, I went to Antigua Grammar School, and without being there and being grounded there, like, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Thanks to the whole country, thank you guys for your support, and I hope I continue to make you guys proud.”
