From clocking 45.94 in the 400-meter category at the 2019 World Athletics Championships semis to claiming gold at the 2020 Olympics 4×400 relay, Michael Norman’s life has been full of ups and downs so far. Throughout his good and bad times, his family was there to support him. Surprisingly, they also come with an athletic background.

Aside from his parents, the American sprinter’s coach has also been there with him as an on-field support. Let’s dive deeper and learn more about this 27-year-old’s support system.

Michael Norman’s father inspired him to track and field

Norman was born on December 3, 1997, in San Diego. He spent his childhood with his father, Michael Norman Sr., and his mother, Nobue Saito. His father is an African American, while his mother is Japanese. Thanks to that, the athlete comes from a mixed ethnic background. There isn’t much information about his father’s early days. However, it’s confirmed that he was also a sportsman and used to run track, which inspired his son to pursue this field.

Following that, he worked as an aircraft administration and maintenance management training instructor at CNATTU North Island. Interestingly, the 27-year-old’s mother was a sprinter during her time in middle school and has a 100-meter record to her name. Norman also has a sister named Michelle Norman, who is also into athletics. She is one year older than her brother and was born on May 29th, 1996.

Michelle used to compete during her time at the University of Utah, and she made a name for herself after becoming the best athlete in the triple jump of the season. She is also equally interested in racing and has some records in 200-meter races. Witnessing the American sprinter’s family background, it is evident that he comes from an athletic family that helped him come this far. But what about his on-field support?

Who is the coach of Michael Norman?

Norman turned pro after he graduated from the University of Southern California in 2019 with a communication degree. During his career, he set a collegiate record time of 43.61 in a stocked field. Quincy Watts coached him during his time at the university. Thanks to the coaching, the American sprinter ended up breaking the NCAA finals record of 44.00 set in 1992 by his coach, who is also the current USC Director of Track & Field.

Watts is known as the former Olympic great and was ranked in the world Top 10 in the 400m for four consecutive years (1991–94), including No. 1 in 1992. Not only that, he has one silver and one gold medal to his name, which he won in 1991 and 1993, respectively. Coming to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Watts is there with this 27-year-old to help him win gold a second time.