Athletics fans can’t get enough of the hilarious banter between two of the world’s top 400-metre hurdlers, as they prepare to face off at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The men’s 400m hurdles final is set to take place on Friday, 19 September, and while the competition promises world-class racing, it’s the good-natured rivalry between Norway’s Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin of the US that’s lighting up the internet.
A Rivalry Built on Gold Medals and Good Humour
Warholm, a three-time world champion who won gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and silver at the Paris 2024 Games, is no stranger to the big stage. His main rival, Benjamin, flipped the script in Paris, claiming gold after settling for silver in Tokyo.
Joining the duo is Alison dos Santos of Brazil, who has consistently been in the mix — winning bronze at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics — and is widely considered a serious contender in Friday’s final.
The trio are seen as the elite in the men’s 400m hurdles, with their performances and personalities bringing renewed excitement to the sport.
“A Good Old-Fashioned Dick-Measuring Contest”
In an interview this week, Warholm was asked about the highly anticipated battle with Benjamin and Santos. Never one to shy away from a bit of cheek, he quipped:
“We’ll see if it turns into a good old-fashioned dick-measuring contest.”
When informed of Warholm’s remark, Benjamin couldn’t resist clapping back with a wink:
“Well, I’m Black, so we already know how that one goes in a dick-measuring contest.”
Watch Rai Benjamin’s full post-race interview here: https://t.co/CLBqhxNvjN pic.twitter.com/7KGP1TNeyl
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) September 17, 2025
Fans Are Living for It
Fans across social media are embracing the athletes’ humour and candour, calling it a refreshing change from the usual press-polished statements.
One Reddit user wrote:
“This is the kind of banter track and field needs.”
Another chimed in with:
“Freak and field.”
A third added:
“Honestly though, I have no idea who is winning out of these two. The closest 50/50 of these champs so far for me.”
And in true internet fashion, one user joked:
“Not saying they should measure dicks but for scientific purposes, would be interesting study to do.”
“I Hope It’s Historic” — Benjamin on Friday’s Final
Speaking ahead of the final on Wednesday (17 September), Benjamin said he’s ready for another defining moment in his rivalry with Warholm and Santos.
“I hope it’s historic and I hope I’m on the right side of history this time. Coming out here, you can never be on the wrong side of history.”
The men’s 400m hurdles final is expected to be one of the highlights of the Championships, not just for the high-calibre performances, but for the personalities making the sport shine again.
