Olympic champion Rai Benjamin returns to Antigua for pre-season preparations

MOZZARTSPORTS|MOZZARTBET– For Benjamin, this return is a reconnection to his heritage and an opportunity to give back.

Olympic 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin has returned to his ancestral roots in Antigua, blending rigorous pre-season preparations with a heartfelt reunion that celebrates his heritage. 

Fresh off his 2024 Olympic gold medal triumph, Benjamin has chosen the island nation as the launchpad for his 2025 Track and Field season.

He is determined to inspire local athletes and foster connections between global stars and Antiguan talent.

Benjamin led a week-long training camp at the Yasco Sports Complex in St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda, under the guidance of his coach, Joanna Hayes who is the 2004 Olympic champion in the sprint hurdles. 

They were joined by an elite team of training partners, including Olympic gold medallist Vernon Norwood, Olympian Shae Anderson, and Antigua’s own three-time Olympian CejhaeGreene, who holds the CAC Games men’s 100m record and a Pan American bronze medal.

Reflecting on the unique setting, Benjamin expressed the emotional connection driving 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.

For Benjamin, who was born in New York but represented Antigua & Barbuda internationally until 2018, this return is deeply symbolic. 

As a young athlete, he won 400m silver at the 2015 Carifta Games, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in track and field.

Now, as an Olympic champion, his presence on the island serves as a powerful reminder of the heights that Antiguan athletes can achieve.

“This camp is a full-circle moment for Rai. It’s not just about training; it’s about embracing his heritage and using his platform to inspire others,” his coach Hayes said.

The camp, which concludes on Monday, December 30, is packed with intensive sessions to sharpen the athletes’ skills ahead of the competitive season. 

Beyond the workouts, Benjamin and his team are connecting with the local community in meaningful ways.

On Friday 27 December, they hosted a meet-and-greet with young athletes, offering them insights into professional training and fostering inspiration.

Cejhae Greene, a national hero and camp participant, underscored the significance of the initiative:

“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 said.

The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA) praised the camp, emphasizing its importance for the island’s athletic development.

“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.

For Benjamin, this return is a reconnection to his heritage and an opportunity to give back. 

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