Zurich played host to a historic night of athletics in 2019, as Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin delivered a 400m hurdles performance for the ages at the Weltklasse meet. The competition, a head-to-head clash anticipated by fans and athletes alike, not only crowned Warholm as the victor but also dramatically reshaped the world all-time rankings in the event. This Karsten Warholm performance remains a defining moment in the history of the 400m hurdles, showcasing the incredible potential of human athletic achievement.
The atmosphere at the Zurich Diamond League final was electric as Warholm, then the reigning world champion, and Benjamin, a rising star in the sport, prepared to face off. Both athletes were known for their aggressive racing styles and exceptional speed, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. The race unfolded as a relentless battle, pushing both competitors to unprecedented times. Warholm ultimately crossed the finish line in 46.92 seconds, establishing himself as the second-fastest 400m hurdler in history, trailing only Kevin Young’s longstanding world record of 46.78 set in 1992.
Benjamin wasn’t far behind, finishing in 46.98 seconds – a personal best that improved upon his previous mark of 47.02 seconds and placed him equal third on the all-time list alongside Abderrahman Samba, whose time was also 46.98. Notably, this marked the first time in history that two athletes had broken the 47-second barrier in the same race. The sheer speed and intensity of the competition underscored the growing depth of talent in the 400m hurdles discipline.
Warholm vs Benjamin ⚔️ Karsten Warholm @ Weltklasse Zürich 2019 #ZurichDL Jiro Mochizuki for Diamond League AG
A Race for the Record Books
The impact of the Zurich race extended beyond the immediate results. Warholm’s time shattered his previous European record of 47.12 seconds, solidifying his position as a dominant force in European athletics. The race also highlighted the intense rivalry between Warholm and Benjamin, a competition that would continue to push both athletes to new heights in subsequent seasons. According to Athletics Weekly, Warholm described the race as “crazy,” expressing his amazement at the new personal best and hinting at even faster times to come.
“It was crazy,” Warholm said after the race. “I knew that I would do a good time but this race and with this new PB, it’s just amazing and still the best will come.” He acknowledged the crucial role Benjamin played in pushing him to his limit, stating, “I push him (Benjamin) and he pushes me. It’s amazing.”
Warholm’s Continued Success
Karsten Warholm’s success didn’t end in Zurich. He continued to dominate the 400m hurdles, securing gold medals at the 2017 World Championships in London and the 2019 World Championships in Doha. He then achieved Olympic glory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, winning gold in a stunning world record time of 45.94 seconds – a mark that remains the current world record as of February 2026. Wikipedia details his extensive list of achievements, including further Diamond League titles in 2019, 2021, and 2025.
More recently, Warholm added to his accolades with a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and continued success on the Diamond League circuit. He also set a world record in the 300m hurdles in Oslo in 2025, clocking a time of 32.67 seconds. His versatility is also demonstrated by his personal best of 10.47 seconds in the 100m, achieved in Zurich in 2024.
The Legacy of Zurich 2019
The 2019 Weltklasse Zürich meet remains a pivotal moment in the careers of both Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin. It was a race that captivated audiences worldwide and demonstrated the incredible potential of the 400m hurdles event. The competition spurred both athletes to achieve even greater heights, contributing to a golden era for the discipline. Kyron McMaster finished third in the 2019 Zurich race with a time of 48.58, and Yasmani Copello was fourth in 48.58, but the focus remained firmly on the historic duel between Warholm and Benjamin.
The impact of this race is still felt today, inspiring a new generation of hurdlers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The rivalry between Warholm and Benjamin continues to be a source of excitement for fans, and their performances serve as a testament to the power of competition and the pursuit of excellence. The event also underscored the importance of the Diamond League as a platform for showcasing the world’s top athletes and fostering groundbreaking performances.
Looking ahead, Karsten Warholm remains a dominant figure in the world of athletics. His continued pursuit of excellence and his unwavering dedication to his craft suggest that he will continue to achieve great things in the years to come. The next major event on his calendar is the upcoming World Championships, where he will undoubtedly be a strong contender for a medal.
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