Rai Benjamin runs personal best to beat home hope Matthew Hudson-Smith in men's 400m at London Diamond League 2026

Rai Benjamin, the reigning Olympic and world champion in the 400m hurdles, clocked a personal-best 44.05 seconds to win the men's 400m flat at the London Diamond League on 18 July 2026, his first-ever Diamond League victory in the discipline. He edged British home favourite and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith (44.18), with American Jacory Patterson finishing third in 44.25. Benjamin has transitioned to the 400m flat with an eye toward the LA 2028 Olympics, having previously finished second at the Prefontaine Classic (44.11) and third in Monaco (44.13) this month.