“Qualifying for the Olympics is just the beginning; the real work starts now,” said Michael Norman, moments after securing his spot in the Paris Olympics 2024. 2022 World Outdoor Champion Michael Norman has just sprinted into the track and field team from the USA that will head towards Paris for the Summer Games commencing from 26th July. The athlete, who set a world record as part of the Trojans in the indoor 400m, is unhappy with his performance despite making the team for a second consecutive year. 

Just minutes after his triumphant qualification, the track and field star was already mapping out his rigorous training schedule. In Tokyo, he won the gold medal as part of the 1600m relay but finished fifth in the 400m. After that performance, Norman was determined to mold himself into an even more formidable competitor for the Paris stadium.

Michael Norman opens up about his disappointment 

In a recent interview with Citius Magazine, sprinter Michael Norman voiced his disappointment over his runner-up finish at the USATF Olympic trials. The magazine highlighted Norman’s frustration with a quote: “I’m pissed off right now. I’m going to the track tomorrow… Already talked to my coach while I was taking my lap around the track. There’s one main area I need to adjust and I know I can run a lot faster than I did today. It’s just a poorly executed race.” 

They added in the caption, “Safe to say @Mike_Norman22 is NOT satisfied with his 44.41, runner-up finish at the Trials😂.” Michael Norman secured this time in the 400m final at the trials. According to reports, Norman was in the lead initially, but it seemed he lost steam in the home stretch. Ultimately paying the price for going too hard too fast. Quincy Hall edged him out in the race, finishing with a time of 44.17 seconds.

Whereas Chris Bailey came third with 44.42s. In the race, 16-year-old Quincy Wilson came 6th with 44.94s after an electrifying heats and semis where he broke two records. However, he has expressed the wish to immediately go back into training for the Olympics, after making a special note of the areas in which he lacks.

Reflecting on the race, Norman mentioned that he had spoken with Coach Watts about running down the backstretch and finding their rhythm. He acknowledged that Quincy had outperformed him that day, but looked forward to a good competition in Paris. “It’s gonna be a good competition in Paris, so I can’t wait,” he remarked. Hopefully, in Paris, he will be able to deliver a flawless performance.

A journey from achievements to anticipation for the Paris Olympics

Michael Norman’s journey began in 6th grade when he started accompanying his sister, who competed at the collegiate level. In high school, he dominated as the California State Champion four times. As a senior, Norman made headlines by defeating reigning USA champion Justin Gatlin in the 200m semifinals at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Despite finishing fifth in the final, he secured two gold medals at the World Junior Championships that summer, setting a championship record of 20.17 seconds in the 200m.

Throughout his career, Norman has amassed numerous accolades, including back-to-back Gatorade Player of the Year awards in National Boys Track & Field for 2015 and 2016. Competing under his college coach Quincy Watts, Michael Norman made history in 2020 by becoming only the second man to run under 10 seconds in the 100m, 20 seconds in the 200m, and 44 seconds in the 400m.

Norman continued to excel, qualifying for Team USA in the men’s 400m with a season-best time of 44.07 in 2021. He earned his first Olympic gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the Tokyo 2020 Games. At the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Norman clinched the 400m title, marking the first time an American sprinter had achieved this since 2013.

Despite setbacks in his 2024 season due to “body-type issues” and previous injuries, Norman remains focused on managing his health and aiming for redemption on the track. He expressed readiness for the elite stage, stating, “I’m feeling pretty good … as long as I can train, I can compete, I’m happy.” As Michael Norman prepares for France, anticipation is high. His determination to overcome challenges and maintain his track record is clear.