 Bennett's international career started in 1981 where he took the 400m title at the European Junior Championships as well as forming one quarter of the silver medal winning 4x400m squad.His success at these championships marked the start of a decade at the top of his sport in which he attended all major championships both indoor and outdoor.Perfectly proportioned for running indoors, Bennett was European Indoor Champion over 400m in both 1985 and 1987 and also took a silver medal over 400m at the World Indoor Championships in 1985.