Justin Gatlin has called on Olympics gold medalist Rai Benjamin and Grant Holloway to follow up on a promised 200m hurdles showdown.
American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has reignited excitement for a potential head-to-head race between track stars Grant Holloway and Rai Benjamin.
The idea, first floated by Holloway in 2022, centers on a 200m hurdles showdown, a unique event that has yet to materialize but has captivated fans and athletes alike.
“We’re putting together a shout-out and call-out list, and I’m ready to dive in,” Holloway declared back in February 2022, when he first issued the challenge to Benjamin.
The plan was to stage the exhibition race after the World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July 2022. The vision included rallying the press, engaging fans, and bringing the spotlight to a one-of-a-kind clash between two of track and field's most versatile talents.
16:40 - 25.12.2024
Grant Holloway's unbelievable record that left the world in awe in 2024
American Grant Holloway has been one of the most consistent 110m hurdlers for the past few seasons but achieved a new feat this year after his glory in Paris.
However, the showdown never materialized, and now, Gatlin and co-host Rodney Greene have rekindled the conversation during a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast.
“What I want to see is that race Grant told us about two years ago, him and Rai, an exhibition race,” Green remarked.
“I want to see that too,” Gatlin agreed enthusiastically.
The duo fondly dubbed the matchup a contest between “the boy wonder” (Holloway) and “King Ben” (Benjamin), reflecting their admiration for the athletes’ prowess.
18:19 - 14.01.2025
Justin Gatlin credits financial stability during ‘depressing’ doping ban to his mother’s financial expertise
Justin Gatlin on how his mother's financial expertise prevented him from going broke during tulmtuous four-year doping ban.
Gatlin also highlighted the unique dynamic between Holloway and Benjamin, who are now co-hosts on the same podcast with fellow Olympic champion Noah Lyles and share gold-medal-winning glory from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Both athletes had stellar performances in Paris. Rai Benjamin captured gold in the men’s 400m hurdles and contributed to the U.S. victory in the 4x400m relay, while Grant Holloway claimed the top spot in the men’s 110m hurdles.
With their Olympic triumphs further solidifying their legacies, the anticipation for a 200m hurdles showdown is greater than ever.
“I love that, bro, especially now that they’re both co-hosts on the same podcast and gold medalists. I think y’all should go for it. Set up that 200m hurdles – y’all put that thing together,” Gatlin urged.