Six days from the Paris Olympics, and Team USA’s 400m stars are already looking like a million bucks! Today, Vernon Norwood jetted off to a 44.10-second finish, clocking his lifetime best as a 32-year-old, in the London Diamond League 400m dash. Did he climb to the highest spot on the podium, though? Well, no, as Matthew Hudson-Smith stole the show with sub-44 timing. But amidst all the huzzah, Norwood made a special mention of fellow American star Quincy Wilson. And did he have some choice words to say about the youngster?

Well, after his latest U-18 world record, how could the 16-year-old 400m sprinting prodigy not make it into the conversation? Even in his absence, fellow Team USA athlete Norwood had nothing to say but sing praises for the sprinter. Here is a glimpse of what he said.

Quincy Wilson’s feat makes Norwood proud of Team USA’s versatility

Speaking to CITIUS Magazine, the runner-up spot winner, Norwood, took pride in Wilson’s achievements. Responding to the reporter when asked about Bryce Deadmon and Quincy Wilson, Norwood noted, “That’s the luxury of being a U.S. athlete. We have so much depth. We can mix it up with any of those guys for the relays.” Norwood here looks confident in each 400m American athlete in the Paris squad for bringing their signature strengths and specialties.

Specifically touching on the performance of the Bullis High School star, Norwood remarked, “I’m proud of Quincy (Wilson). I texted him earlier, told him ‘Good job.’ I woke up and saw it.” For those of you unaware of the ‘it’ Norwood is referring to, he’s speaking of Wilson’s U-18 world record, one that he hit the reset button on yesterday. On the stomping grounds of Gainesville, he clocked a 44.20 second time, besting his own 44.59 timing from the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Moreover, Norwood even revealed that he had been in touch with his to-be 4x400m relay contemporaries at the Paris Olympics. Evidently, this also includes Quincy Wilson. To this end, he confirmed, “We’ve been in contact and I look forward to seeing all those guys in Paris.” With great conviction in their strengths, he now anticipates watching what they can achieve collectively on the French city tracks. Well, the tables have certainly turned now.

Because the last time Wilson spoke about Norwood and his other contemporaries, he was in Hayward Field, where the youngster accredited his presence for their athletic showcase, “I pushed them today. Because they didn’t want to get beat by a 16-year-old.” Directed at his senior, Wilson had also fired another unabashed remark: “Vernon, he’s 32 years old. I’m half his age. I’m running for my life when I’m out there. The race plan went out the window.”

Nonetheless, the scenario today disclosed that all is in order in Team USA’s 400m unit. In fact, they look to be in great shape ahead of D-day. Picture this: Veteran 400m runners plus the newest cog in the American machine—the young world record smasher Quincy Wilson—now, how good does that look?

Team USA’s 400m icons, set to win over the French city

The air in the city of love is soon set to be pierced by a freshly brewed competition. From the American side, the 400m fighters entering the battleground include Quincy Hall, Michael Norman, Chris Bailey, Quincy Wilson, Vernon Norwood, and Bryce Deadmon. Interestingly, each of them is armed with a set of exclusive skills., and some of them are in the best form of their lives!

Hall, who stood atop the 400m list at the trials, just clocked his personal best in the finals. It was a blazing 44.17-second sprint, one that echoed his winning intent. Speaking of personal bests, Bailey joined the Paris crew with his own fastest run to date, one that powered him to cross the finish line in 44.42 seconds. Wilson, in the past few days, has turned around the U-18 world record figures three times. From 44.66 to 44.59, and now 44.20, contrasting enough to this athletic ascent.

Up until the Olympic Trials, Norwood’s finale showdown was his season’s best so far. But the aftermath of his qualification brought out an even more spectacular side to him. On July 12, at the Monaco Diamond League, Norwood clocked noteworthy numbers in the 400m event. His 44.34 seconds was a personal best until he outperformed today. Joining the sub-45 timing list are Normal and Deadmon, whose 400m season-best is 44.21 in 2024, while Deadmon’s is 44.23.

Thus, do you feel that with these athletes, Team USA can return with multiple 400m accolades? Let us know in the comments below.