Pro athlete, Rai Benjamin is officially a USA athlete.
Bejamin is a three-time NCAA Division champion. Earlier this past season, he became the third fastest man in history when he won the 2018 NCAA title in 47.02s, (Only world-record holder Kevin Young (46.78) and Abderrahman Samba (46.98) are faster).
Having been born in the United States, Benjamin, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 2013 World Youth Championships and th 2015 World Relays.
His request to compete for the United States was delayed when the IAAF announced a freeze in February of 2017 on athlete’s switching allegiances.
The transfer process was eventually completed on Thursday, (October 4th) after a delay, (IAAF issued a freeze in 2017 on athlete’s switching alegiances.
He was notified by the USATF that the IAAF Nationality Review Panel had approved Benjamin’s request to transfer his allegiance to the United States “with immediate effect.”
According to a Sports Max article:
The letter, in part, over the signature of USATF Sarah Austin, Manager of Legal Affairs read: “Good morning M. Benjamin, Early this morning, the USATF was advised that the IAAF Nationality Review Panel has approved you to compete on behalf of the United States with immediate effect…”
Both of Benjamin’s parents are Antiguans. With this latest development, Benjamin now becomes the clear favorite at next year’s U.S. Championships and gives the United States a good chance at gold in this event.
