Michael Norman is an American sprinter whose specialty is the 400-metre event. He previously held the world's best time in the indoor 400 metres at 44.52 seconds. Outdoors, his 43.45 seconds in the 400 metres is tied for the fourth-fastest time in history. In 2022, he became the world champion in both the 400-metre and 4x400-metre relay events. Most recently, at the men's 400-meter event in 2024 Paris, Norman finished in eighth place, clocking 45.62 seconds, while the race was won by Quincy Hall for 43.40 seconds, winning another gold medal for America.
Quick Facts on Michael Norman’s Coach
| Coach Name | Quincy Watts |
|---|---|
| DOB | June 19, 1970 |
| Hometown/Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan |
| Nationality | American |
| Employers/College Team | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Occupation | Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, USC |
| Sports | Track and Field |
| Net Worth | - |
| College | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
Who Is Michael Norman’s Coach?
Michael Norman's coach is Quincy Watts as of August 2024. Watts is a former American track and field athlete whose specialty was the 400-meter dash. He won Olympic gold medals in the 400m and the 4x400m relay at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, setting an Olympic record of 43.50 seconds in the 400m final. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Taft High School, in Woodland Hills, California. He then spent two seasons (2012–2013) as an assistant coach at California State University, Northridge, working with the distance runners and cross country team. In 2014, Watts returned to USC as an assistant coach.
During Watts' tenure at the USC from 2014 to 2021, he coached many Trojans to NCAA titles, Pac-12s, and school records in sprint events, including the 400m, 400m hurdles, and relays. Some of the athletes he coached were Michael Norman, Rai Benjamin, Kendall Ellis, and Anna Cockrell. In 2021, Watts was promoted to the position of Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at USC, taking the lead in the program. As of 2024, he has been leading the Trojans, including multiple team and individual successes at the NCAA and Pac-12 levels.
Quincy Watts’ Parents
Quincy Watts was born to Rufus Watts and Allitah Hunt Watts in Detroit, Michigan, on June 19, 1970.
Quincy Watts’ Wife
Quincy Watts is married to Kelly Watts. The couple has three children together: daughters Talize and Kylie, and son Quincy Jr.
Quincy Watts’ Physical attributes
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Age | 54 years (June 19, 1970) |
Quincy Watts’ Coaching Career
From 2012 to 2013, Watts worked as an assistant coach at California State University, Northridge, working with the distance runners and cross country team. In 2014, Watts returned to the University of Southern California (USC), as an assistant coach with a specialization in sprints, long hurdles, and relays. In June 2021, Watts was promoted to the position of Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at USC, taking over as the lead for the program.
Quincy Watts’ Record
During his time as an assistant coach at USC from 2014 to 2021, Watts coached Trojans to:
104 indoor and outdoor All-America honors in the 400m, 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay
20 NCAA titles
33 Pac-12 crowns
3 college records
28 school records
All four USC freshman 400m records
The women's 400m hurdles freshman record
As the head coach since 2021, Watts has led the USC men's and women's teams to multiple top finishes at the NCAA and Pac-12 Championships, including second-place finishes for both teams at the 2023 Pac-12 Championships (via USC Trojans' official website).
Quincy Watts’ Awards & Achievement
As of August 2024, Watts has earned these awards and achievements to his name (as mentioned in his profile on the official USC Trojans website).
NCAA Indoor West Region Coach of the Year
2021 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Outdoor Women's Assistant Coach of the Year
2021 West Region Indoor and Outdoor Women's Assistant Coach of the Year
2019 West Region Indoor Assistant Coach of the Year
2018 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Men's Assistant Coach of the Year
2018 NCAA West Region Assistant Coach of the Year
Placed in the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012
FAQ's On Michael Norman’s Coach
A. Michael Norman's coach is Quincy Watts, as of August 2024.
A. Michael Norman's weight is reported to be 78 kg (172 lbs).
A. Michael Norman is from San Diego, California, United States.
A. Michael Norman decided to focus on his preparation for the 2024 Olympics, and to prioritise his training for the same.
A. Michael Norman switched from 400m to 100m in 2023, changing his coach from Quincy Watts to John Smith, but after setbacks, he reverted to 400m to his old coach Watts.
A. Yes, Michael Norman made the 2024 Olympics, and finished in eighth place, clocking 45.62 seconds at the men's 400-meter finals.
