“Never” is a strong word. And when one of the fastest hurdlers in the world says never, the whole sporting world takes notice. And this is exactly what happened when Rai Benjamin, track and field’s biggest star, said never to a race. But what really transpired that even someone as great as the Olympic gold medalist refused his involvement? Well, there is quite a bit to this story.

Rai Benjamin is known for his incredible speed and technical brilliance in the 400-meter hurdles and has taken on the best in the world. He has battled against record-breaking competitors and pushed himself to the very limits of human ability. Yet, there is one race that he refuses to even consider. So, what is this challenge that even one of the fastest men, Benjamin, won’t entertain?

The race in question here is the 400-meter indoor hurdles, a concept that sounds thrilling to fans but seems terrifying to athletes. When asked by a reporter and later posted on the X handle of @RunBlogRub if he would ever attempt 400-meter indoor hurdles, Rai Benjamin shut the door with his bold refusal “Never. I’ll Never Do It.!” 

The champion further added to this, “It’s very dangerous, and me being as solid as I am, it probably wouldn’t work out well for me.” The ‘danger’ Rai Benjamin is referring to comes from the very nature of indoor tracks. Unlike outdoor stadiums, where there is more space for adjustments and corrections, indoor tracks are much tighter. The curves are sharper, and the margin for error is almost nonexistent. One misstep could mean crashing into hurdles, injuring yourself, or even ending your season prematurely.

Even after possessing such incredible skills, Rai Benjamin knows that some battles aren’t worth fighting. “Given that indoor is so technical and literally minimal room for error, not a risk I’m willing to take,” he explained. For Benjamin, who relies on an explosive stride pattern and precise hurdling technique, the risk simply isn’t worth it!

Rai Benjamin chooses legacy over short-term glory

But beyond the dangers of the race itself, Benjamin’s decision is also about something bigger and that is all about legacy. While fans might dream of a 400-meter or 600-meter indoor race, the Olympian understands that it wouldn’t change the bigger picture of track and field history. “Because in about six months, no one’s going to remember who won the 500 game,” he stated bluntly.

It’s a reminder that not every race is worth the effort. As a world-class athlete and Olympian, Rai Benjamin is focused on the races that will further his career. His primary targets remain to be the Olympics and the Diamond League, by which he can cement his legacy even more. The track and field star knows that success is not just about chasing every challenge thrown his way.

He knows it’s about picking the right battles. Benjamin is very clearly ensuring that each race he runs contributes to his long-term success. Having said all this, for now, the indoor 400-meter hurdles will remain a fantasy. Fans may wonder what could have been, but Rai Benjamin has made his stance clear. He’s not just thinking about the excitement of one race.

This is a major shocker for most, though, since he already won the 300-meter title in the NB Grand Prix on February 2nd. But he is thinking about the bigger picture, the risks involved, and the lasting impact of his decisions. And with that, one of track and field’s most exciting “what ifs” has been put to rest. Rai Benjamin has spoken, and his decision is final. Do share your thoughts in the comments below!