'It feels amazing to be back home'-Rai Benjamin embraces his roots in Antigua for training camp

Rai Benjamin has returned to Antigua, blending Olympic training with an emotional reunion with his roots, inspiring local athletes.

Olympic champion Rai Benjamin has returned to his ancestral roots in Antigua to prepare for the highly anticipated 2025 Track and Field season, a journey steeped in both nostalgia and ambition.

The 2024 Olympic gold medallist in the 400m hurdles is using this unique opportunity to train in the land of his heritage while inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Benjamin, the son of former West Indies fast bowler Winston Benjamin, is leading a week-long training camp at the Yasco Sports Complex in St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda.

Guided by his coach Joanna Hayes, the 2004 Olympic champion in the sprint hurdles, Benjamin is joined by an impressive team of training partners, including fellow Olympian and gold medalist Vernon Norwood, Olympian Shae Anderson, and Antigua’s own three-time Olympian Cejhae Greene, a Pan American bronze medallist and CAC Games men’s 100m record holder.

Reflecting on his return, Benjamin shared the profound emotional connection fueling his efforts.

“We were thrilled when we heard about this chance to train in Antigua post-Olympics. It’s a great way to break the routine of being in the U.S. and enjoy some fun while staying focused. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. It feels amazing to be back home,” he said.

The training camp, which commenced on Monday, December 23, will run through to the following Monday.

It features a series of intensive sessions designed to hone the athletes' skills and prepare them for the upcoming season.

Beyond the physical rigor, the camp promises to leave an indelible mark on Antigua’s youth.

On Friday, Benjamin and his team will host a meet-and-greet with young athletes, a move expected to inspire budding stars and foster deeper connections between international champions and local talent.

For Benjamin, who was born in New York but represented Antigua & Barbuda internationally until 2018, the return holds special significance.

Among his past accolades for Antigua, he won 400m silver at the 2015 Carifta Games in St. Kitts, setting the stage for his remarkable journey to global stardom.

“This camp is a full-circle moment for Rai,” said coach Joanna Hayes.

“It’s not just about training; it’s about embracing his heritage and using his platform to inspire others.”

Antigua’s athletic governing body, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA), expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing its value for local athletes and coaches.

“The ABAA is grateful and appreciative of this initiative which gives our young athletes and coaches an insight into the professional training environment,” the association said in a statement.

Training partner Vernon Norwood, also an Olympic gold medallist, expressed his delight in joining the camp and visiting Antigua for the first time.

“This has been an incredible experience,” Norwood said.

“The warmth of the people and the opportunity to train in such a beautiful setting is truly unmatched.”

Cejhae Greene, a national hero in his own right, echoed these sentiments, calling the camp a pivotal moment for Antiguan athletics.

“Having Rai and the team here is a blessing for our community. It’s proof that no matter how far you go, your roots remain a part of your journey,” Greene remarked.

As Benjamin and his team dive into their final days of training, their presence is already leaving an impact that transcends sports.

For Rai Benjamin, this return to Antigua is more than a strategic decision—it’s a heartfelt reunion with his heritage, one that blends his Olympic ambitions with a powerful message of inspiration and connection.