The USA’s Rai Benjamin was temporarily disqualified minutes after winning the gold medal in a controversial men’s 400m hurdles in Tokyo.
The American knocked over the final hurdle, before coming home in first with a blazing time of 46.52secs.
But his collision on the last hurdle moved it into the path of Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel, who was initially fourth and just outside of the medals, handing the Olympic champion a disqualification for several minutes before the decision was reversed.
The controversial hit temporarily moved Brazilian Alison Dos Santos up to the gold and Qatar’s Ismail Doudai Abakar promoted to silver, while Norway’s race favourite Karsten Warholm was upset with a disappointing run to finish fifth initially.
“That seems insane, he didn’t hit it on purpose, it didn’t affect the standings of the race, I think it’s very unfair,” said Jessica Ennis-Hill on BBC Sport.
While Colin Jackson added: “That trail leg has got to go over the barrier completely.”
Benjamin was seen celebrating long after his race, and then continued to celebrate after the women’s 400m hurdles, which was won by the Netherlands’ Femke Bol, with American Jasmine Jones in silver.
Team USA are expected to appeal the decision on Benjamin. Reinstated.
More to follow…
