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Carl Bengtström faces the toughest possible opposition as he swaps hurdles for the flat 400 meters at the BAUHAUS-galan. He will go head-to-head with Rai Benjamin, one of the greatest 400m hurdlers of all time, who has recently decided to focus on the flat 400 meters.
“I’m looking forward to opening the Diamond League season in Stockholm,” says Benjamin.
Bengtström, who took bronze in the 400m hurdles at the 2024 European Championships in Rome, is gearing up for a new championship season. The hurdle specialist occasionally switches to the flat distance—but usually indoors, where he has actually won two international medals (one World Indoor and one European Indoor bronze).
Now, however, the Swede is set to run the 400 meters in the Diamond League for the first time—and it’s no ordinary field he’ll be facing.
We’re in for an exceptionally strong American lineup. Benjamin, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 400m hurdles, is also switching to the flat distance. After winning World Championship gold in 2025, he announced his intention to focus on the 400 meters. This will be his first Diamond League race in the event since 2019—also in Stockholm. Benjamin has enjoyed major success globally as part of 4×400m relay teams and holds a personal best of 44.21. Bengtström’s outdoor PB is 45.38, set at last year’s European Team Championships.
“It’s going to be incredibly inspiring to step over to the flat 400 meters and see how I measure up against some of the fastest in the world!” says Bengtström.
“I’ve always enjoyed competing at the BAUHAUS-galan in Stockholm. Last year the stadium had an incredible atmosphere. I’m looking forward to opening the Diamond League season there over 400 meters,” says Benjamin.
More big American names will also be on the start line. Jacory Patterson, who won last year’s Diamond League final in the 400 meters, will make his BAUHAUS-galan debut. The world number three has a personal best of 43.85. Also competing is Vernon Norwood, a multiple global gold medalist in the 4×400m relay.
Additionally, Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith is confirmed for the race. He has both Olympic and World Championship silver medals and holds the European record of 43.44. Jereem Richards is also confirmed; he won silver at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo with a PB of 43.72.
BAUHAUS-galan takes place on 7 June at Stockholm Olympic Stadium.