Rai Benjamin Shines at Paris 2024 Olympics, Secures Two Gold Medals

Rai Benjamin electrified the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning gold in the 400m hurdles and the men's 4x400m relay. His father, Winston Benjamin, once a cricket star, witnessed the remarkable performance. The games concluded with an illustrious closing ceremony that celebrated sports and diversity.

Rai Benjamin put on a spectacular performance to secure two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 27-year-old American first clinched the 400m hurdles title before teaming up with the men's 4x400m relay team for another gold. Benjamin's speed-loving genes were inherited from his father, Winston Benjamin, an international cricket star for the West Indies, as per Olympic.com.

Winston, typically reserved and stoic during his playing days, watched from the stands at Stade de France as Rai triumphed over arch-rival Karsten Warholm of Norway in a thrilling final. Rai crossed the finish line in 46.46 seconds, outpacing Tokyo 2020 champion Warholm (47.06s) and Brazil's Alison dos Santos (47.26s). Warholm had narrowly beat Rai for the gold at Tokyo 2020, according to Olympics.com.

Earlier on Sunday, the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded with a glittering, star-studded closing ceremony. The celebration featured numerous superstar athletes and artists, marking the sport's highest level. French swimmer Leon Marchand brought the Olympic flame in a lantern to Stade de France, signaling the beginning of the Parade of Nations, which was met with cheers from thousands of excited fans.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker and legendary hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh carried the Indian flag as flag-bearers. Bhaker earned two bronze medals, while Sreejesh contributed to India securing its second successive bronze in hockey, marking his final international tournament. The final medal ceremony awarded the women's marathon winners, concluding the first-ever Olympics with full gender parity. IOC President Thomas Bach and World Athletics President Sebastian Coe presented the medals.

(With inputs from agencies.)