Olympic Track & Field Champion’s ‘Cautious’ Tokyo Arrival Fails to Stop Him From Embracing New Routine Before Worlds

We’re just days away from the World Championships, and athletes are already feeling the Tokyo heat as they gear up for the big stage. Among them is an American 400m hurdles star. Fresh off a dominant win at the USATF Championships, clocking a blistering 46.89 seconds to extend his eight-year unbeaten streak against American rivals, he has landed in Japan ready to represent Team USA. But before the intensity begins, he’s embracing a surprisingly laid-back routine in the land of the rising sun.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Rai Benjamin gave fans a glimpse into his life in Japan, practically sharing his entire routine through stories. It started with a sun-kissed video of him just out of bed, the sun lighting up his face, captioned: “Framing as much aura as I can today.” The next clip showed him on the track, flaunting his chiseled physique under the blazing sun with the caption: “Well, it’s hot asfk.” And he isn’t wrong, Tokyo is scorching right now, with temperatures hovering around 32°C (89.6°F).

Next came a culinary adventure, and who could resist a steaming bowl of ramen? In his stories, he’s seen devouring a hearty serving with friends before wrapping up the night with a casual 7-Eleven hop. A day packed with training and a dash of fun, a perfect blend of work and play. However, he did feel some shock, in fact, quite literally, as Japan faced a minor earthquake as well as another natural calamity in less than a week. Benjamin took to his X handle to update, “Typhoon ✅ Earthquake ✅ Yeah we’re in Japan.” 

That’s because Typhoon Peipah made its landfall in western Japan on Friday, before it moved eastward towards areas like the Shizuoka Prefecture, which is approximately just 185 kms away from Tokyo. Due to this, many areas of Japan, especially along the Pacific coast, have been experiencing heavy rainfall, strong winds, damage, and suspension of services. Although there are no such weather conditions affecting Tokyo directly as of now, so Rai Benjamin and the athletes have no reason to worry yet and can single-mindedly focus on practice.

Speaking of Rai Benjamin in particular, he started 2025 strong, winning the men’s 300m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on February 2nd with a time of 32.21 seconds, marking his return to indoor competition. On the outdoor circuit, he dominated the Stockholm Diamond League on June 15, clocking a world-leading 46.54s in the 400m hurdles, and followed it up with a meet-record 46.93s victory at the Paris Diamond League on June 20. At the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on July 5, Benjamin finished second in a close battle with Alison dos Santos, recording 46.71s.

He regained top form at the USATF Outdoor Championships on August 3, winning his sixth national 400m hurdles title in 46.89s and securing qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo, where he will face his biggest rivals, Karsten Warholm and Alison dos Santos. Well, if we were to talk about Japan, he is not the only one who will be enjoying the island nation.

American long-distance runner talks about her love for Japan

Rai Benjamin won’t be the only one enjoying Japan; thirty-five-year-old Emily Infeld is set to have the time of her life as well. After years of battling injuries and setbacks, she made history by claiming her first U.S. title at 35, becoming one of the oldest athletes to do so. Securing a spot on Team USA for the 10,000m and marking her fifth induction, Infeld’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Well, while having a conversation with Brooks Running, Infeld revealed her love for Japanese cuisine and especially sushi, “I’m so excited for the sushi in Tokyo. I just feel like you can never eat enough sushi, like you can eat 100 pieces and it’s just like you want more. It’s the best.” Her fondness with the Japanese is quite evident.

Well, it appears both of them will be having the time of their lives. However, as the day of the ultimate battle arrives, each of them should be prepared to take their country to the greatest heights. How many medals do you think Team USA will secure at the championships