Rio Olympics 2016: American hurdler burns Beyonce

United States' Kerron Clement competes in a men's 400-metre hurdles semifinal during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo / AP

If Beyonce was a single lady, we doubt Kerron Clement would put a ring on it.

The US Olympian booked his spot in the 400m hurdles final with a strong run in the first semi-final on Wednesday (NZT). He beat Kenya's Boniface Mucheru in second with a time of 48.26 seconds.

While there's few places an elite runner would rather be than an Olympic final, Clement might consider switching places with James Packer for a day if the offer ever came in.

That's because the Australian business mogul is dating singer Mariah Carey - someone Clement is a big fan of.

The two-time Olympic medallist told the world he liked the 46-year-old's tunes after his semi-final run, and at the same time, let Beyonce know where she stood in the pecking order of his favourite artists.

Several years ago he appeared in a music video for Beyonce's smash hit Run the World (Girls) - an opportunity almost any man on the planet would froth over. But Clement actually thought she was the one who should feel lucky.

"My role was to just stand there and be pretty," Clement said. "I was a prop for Beyonce.

"I was a bit shocked because I am not really a Beyonce fan, I am more a Mariah Carey fan.

"I hope Beyonce looks back and goes, 'I have an Olympian in my video.'"

Mariah 1, Beyonce 0.

Clement entered the Olympics with the third fastest time in the world this year - a 48.40 he pulled off at London's Diamond League meet in July. He'll no doubt be hoping to beat his personal best of 47.24 seconds in the final - a time that would almost guarantee him a medal.

In Beijing eight years ago he won gold with the men's 4x400 relay team and silver in the 400m hurdles.

We can't confirm how many gold medals Beyonce gave him for such a stellar performance in that music video.