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U.S. men win 4×400 relay for third consecutive Olympics

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U.S. men win 4×400 relay for third consecutive Olympics

SAINT-DENIS, France — Everything that makes Rai Benjamin such an effective anchor leg was on display. Required by the task.

Officially, he had a quarter-of-a-second lead when he got the baton from Bryce Deadmon. It took a monster 43.54-second run from Deadmon to drag the U.S. from third place to a small lead. The anchor just had to do what he does. Close.

Here is the major problem Benjamin had this time: Letsile Tebogo of Botswana. The same sprinter who ran the men’s 200-meter final in 19.4 seconds to win gold.

“I run the 400 hurdles,” Benjamin said, “so I’d like to think that my engine is bigger than his. But nineteen-four? We cannot sleep on that.

“And just the sheer talent that he has. … That’s generational right there. The kid’s freaking great.”

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So it was time for Benjamin’s experience to kick in. For his strategy. For his speed. For his patience and poise.

For his loyalty.

“Somebody cracked a joke in there … that had to do with Noah (Lyles),” Benjamin said. “Oh they cracking jokes? … You guys about to get punished right now.”

The men’s 4×400 relay has been contested now in 26 Olympiads. America has won 19 of them, including nine of the last 11.

This comes one night after the 4×100 relay team — featuring some of the fastest men in the world — squandered their chance at gold. After getting disqualified for the first exchange happening out of the zone, American sprint legend Carl Lewis demanded an overhaul of that relay program, which hasn’t won a medal since 2004 or a gold since 2000.

“They know my number if they want me,” said sprint legend Maurice Greene, part of the last gold medal 4×100 relay team. “It’s just terrible. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have won.”

But those problems don’t extend to the other relay. (Of course, the hand-offs are far less intense when you have an entire lap to run.)

The 400-meter runners aren’t the most glorified of America’s sprinters. They’re gold medalists and record holders in their own right. But their names aren’t on the marquee of USA Track and Field. Yet they’ve consistently gotten the job done.

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The Paris Games proved to be no different. But it wasn’t easy.

The gamesmanship began early. In the call room before the runners took the track, Benjamin said Botswana organized as if Tebogo wasn’t running anchor. The ploy didn’t work, though. They all knew Tebogo would finish.

“And I knew it was gonna be a fight coming home,” Benjamin said, “so it was probably my most calculated anchor leg that I’ve run since I’ve been anchoring this relay for the past couple (of) years.”

Benjamin clarified the joke about Lyles was harmless and it wasn’t Botswana. He wouldn’t say anything more than it wasn’t anything offensive or derogatory. Just part of the mind games that go on behind the scenes, and that he didn’t like it. Because in the throes of competition, any banter is a salvo. It’s all motivation.

GO DEEPER

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Rai Benjamin claims his first Olympic gold in men’s 400m hurdles

It takes more than mind games to beat Benjamin, who couldn’t remember the last time he lost a relay in which he anchored.

“Maybe in high school,” he said. “Maybe.”

He now has two Olympic championships as the anchor, including the last Olympics in Tokyo. He also has two gold medals from the World Championships as anchor. And two NCAA championships, outdoor and indoor, as anchor.

Is he America’s greatest closer ever?

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“Michael Norman,” Benjamin said after a pregnant pause. “Yes. You’ve seen Michael Norman flat-out run forty-three-oh in Sacramento. Straight gas. Look it up.”

Indeed, Norman ran a 43.06 for USC in the NCAA West preliminary round at Sacramento State in 2018. Benjamin ran the first leg in that race.

“When Michael’s healthy and he’s firing on all cylinders,” Benjamin said. “A dangerous guy.”

On this night, the dangerous guy was Tebogo, and all the U.S. had was Benjamin. He played a perfect game of chess, knowing the 400 meters is uncomfortably long for the elite sprinter from Botswana. Benjamin went fast enough so Tebogo had to work hard and drain some energy. But Benjamin couldn’t go too fast so as not to burn himself out. He was going to need his closing speed.

For 200 meters, with Tebogo’s breath on his neck, Benjamin worked his strategy. He stayed patient, focused on himself and his race. He didn’t look up at the jumbotron to monitor Tebogo. Benjamin let his feel and instincts guide him. Then, at the right time, “just kick like hell coming home.”

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Tebogo’s speed was countered. Benjamin’s lead was preserved. And the gold medal was America’s.

“Because,” Vernon Norwood said of Benjamin, “he’s Captain America.”

Required reading

(Photo: Hannah Peters / Getty Images)

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Jordan Chiles achieves another perfect 10 to lead UCLA past Washington

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Jordan Chiles achieves another perfect 10 to lead UCLA past Washington

The No. 5 UCLA women’s gymnastics team hosted Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Friday night for a prime-time Big Ten matchup. The Bruins continued to demonstrate just how hungry they are for a national championship by flexing their deep roster in a 198.150-195.825 win over the Huskies.

Jordan Chiles earned another perfect score on her floor routine, capping off a night that would give her another all-around individual title.

While Chiles’ performance stood out, UCLA coach Janelle McDonald was pleased to see a total team effort.

“When athletes that are outside the lineup one week are pushing to get in, it makes everybody better,” McDonald said. “And that’s exactly what’s happening right now.”

Added UCLA junior Sydney Barros: “It really comes down to the trust that we build.”

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Instead of soaking in the third consecutive meet with a perfect score, Chiles praised Barros, who competed in three events for the second straight meet.

“I just like to say, your dedication and pride and everything that you have done to accomplish these moments, you showed it today,” Chiles said, speaking directly to Barros. “From your bars, to the beam, to making literally all three lineups that you wanted to be in, you came through.”

UCLA gymnast Ciena Alipio, left, celebrates with teammate Jordan Chiles after completing a beam routine. Alipio and Chiles both earned 9.950 scores during the Bruins’ win over Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Friday.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

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UCLA established its dominance from the beginning. During their rotation on the vault, the Bruins (6-2, 2-0) finished with a total score of 49.425. Tiana Sumanasekera set the tone with a 9.875 performance.

Madisyn Anyimi followed it by earning a 9.900, her best score on the event as a Bruin. Katelyn Rosen and Riley Jenkins both earned 9.850 marks. Anchoring the vault was Chiles who closed with a 9.950.

The Huskies (2-4, 1-1) posted a score of 49.325 on the uneven bars.

UCLA added to its lead on the uneven bars. Ciena Alipio was close to perfect with a routine that earned her a 9.950. Keeping up with her teammate, Barros followed with a 9.925.

Alipio made the most of her opportunity to compete on the uneven bars after being limited to two events — beam and floor — before Friday.

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“That’s always been her mentality, that grit and determination to help her team, no matter what,” McDonald said.

Alipio tied Chiles for best score on the balance beam.

“The hard work [that you see] in the gym, is what you’re seeing at the competition floor,” she said.

Sumanasekera and Ashlee Sullivan, both freshmen, scored 9.825 and 9.875, respectively. Chiles earned a 9.975, which brought up the team’s total to 98.975.

Washington earned a 48.925 on vault, falling behind UCLA by .750.

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UCLA extended its lead on the balance beam, with Rosen and Barros opening the third rotation with 9.850 scores. Jordis Eichman took it up a notch with a 9.875 on her only event of the night.

Chiles earned a 9.950, extending her all-around lead. Alipio added another 9.950, maintaining a Bruins lead of 148.450-147.525 going into the final event.

Jordan Chiles competes on balance beam for UCLA against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

Jordan Chiles competes on balance beam for UCLA against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

During their anchor event, UCLA continued to shine with a 9.925 floor routine by Rosen. Both Alipio and Sumanasekera added to the lead with a 9.900 and a 9.925, respectively. Sullivan earned her best mark on the floor with a 9.950.

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Chiles saved the best for last, with her 10 on floor bringing the rotation total to 49.700 for UCLA’s best score in the event this season. It was Chiles’ third 10 of the year — she had perfect scores against Nebraska (vault) and Michigan State (floor) earlier this month.

“Floor is a place where we always hold ourselves to a really high standard, not just with the execution of the gymnastics skills, but the performances,” McDonald said. “We want to go out there and put on a show.”

Each week, the rotation is filled with a newcomer, but the approach doesn’t change. The Bruins’ goal is to balance execution with performances and dialing in the details.

“We dub ourselves the best show in L.A.,” McDonald said, “And we really try to live up to that.”

UCLA gymnast Alipio Ciena celebrates during a meet against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

UCLA gymnast Alipio Ciena celebrates during a meet against Washington at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 30, 2026.

(Jesus Ramirez / UCLA Athletics)

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Vikings dismiss GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons following latest playoff miss

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Vikings dismiss GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons following latest playoff miss

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For the second time in four years, the Minnesota Vikings failed to advance to the NFL playoffs. While a 9-8 record in 2025 brought no immediate changes, Vikings ownership announced a major move Friday.

In a statement, Vikings co-owners and brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf said the organization decided to part ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

“Following our annual end-of-season organizational meetings over the last several weeks and after careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the team to move forward with new leadership of our football operations. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for Kwesi’s contributions and commitment to the organization over the past four years and wish him and his family the best in the future.”

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Then-Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on Dec. 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Matt Krohn/Imagn Images)

The Wilfs also announced that Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings’ executive vice president of football operations, would be in charge of the front office through April’s NFL Draft. Shortly after the draft, the franchise will launch its search for its next full-time general manager.

2026 NFL OFFSEASON BUZZ, RUMORS: FALCONS REPORTEDLY RELEASING QB KIRK COUSINS

Adofo-Mensah spoke with the media for an end-of-season press conference on Jan. 13. He was seen carrying out routine general managerial duties this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Just seven months earlier, the Vikings announced a multiyear contract extension for Adofo-Mensah.

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo‐Mensah during the NFL combine at the Indiana Convention Center on Feb. 28, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

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While he was credited with building a roster that finished with winning records in three of his four seasons as general manager, Adofo-Mensah’s draft results have faced scrutiny at times. The selection of quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft drew particular scrutiny as injuries and uneven play limited his availability and production.

The Vikings failed to draft a player who developed into a Pro Bowler at any point from 2022–25, one of only 11 NFL teams to do so.

Minnesota Vikings co-owner Zygi Wilf, left, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talk on the sideline prior to an NFL football game on Nov. 27, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Adofo-Mensah replaced Rick Spielman, who was dismissed in 2022. Spielman first joined the Vikings in 2006 as the team’s vice president of player personnel before his promotion to general manager in 2012.

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Adofo-Mensah played basketball as a student at Princeton. He brought an analytics-focused approach to Minnesota, having worked in an analytics role with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. Prior to taking the job with the Vikings, Adofo-Mensah was the Cleveland Browns’ vice president of football operations.

The Vikings hold the No. 18 pick in this year’s draft.

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Lindsey Vonn injures knee in downhill crash a week before Games: ‘My Olympic dream is not over’

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Lindsey Vonn injures knee in downhill crash a week before Games: ‘My Olympic dream is not over’

U.S. skiing great Lindsey Vonn says her “Olympic dream is not over” after crashing and injuring her knee during a downhill race that was meant to be her final warmup before the start of the Milan Cortina Games next week.

“I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee,” the 41-year-old former Olympic gold medalist posted Friday on her Instagram Story. “I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams.

“This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback.

“My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you all for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it. … It’s not over until it’s over.”

Taking part in a World Cup race in Crans Montana, Vonn lost control while attempting to land a jump on the upper portion of the course and slid into the safety netting. After receiving medical attention for about five minutes, Vonn slowly skied to the finish line, using her poles to support herself and stopping twice to clutch her knee.

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She smiled and waved to the crowd after crossing the finish line and received a long embrace from teammate Jacqueline Wiles before entering the medical tent. She was later airlifted off the slope for further evaluation.

Vonn was the third skier to crash during the race, which was being held in difficult conditions with low visibility. The event was canceled after Vonn’s fall.

After nearly six years away from ski racing, Vonn made a comeback last year and has two victories and three additional podium finishes in five downhill races this season — all with a partial titanium implant in her right knee.

At the 2010 Vancouver Games, Vonn became the only U.S. woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing. She also won bronze medals in the super-G 2010 and downhill in 2018. On Dec. 23, Vonn announced on Instagram she had qualified for “my 5th and final Olympics!”

“When I made the decision to return to ski racing, I always had one eye on Cortina because it’s a place that is very, very special to me,” she wrote. “Although I can’t guarantee any outcomes, I can guarantee that I will give my absolute best every time l kick out of the starting gate. No matter how these games end up, I feel like I’ve already won.”

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The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Games is Feb. 6. Vonn’s first scheduled event is the women’s downhill on Feb. 8. She had also planned to compete in the super-G and the new team combined event.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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