Michael Norman is an American sprinter who specialises in the 200m and 400m events. Born on December 3, 1997, in San Diego, California, Norman first gained international attention as a high school senior in 2016 when he defeated the reigning USA champion Justin Gatlin in a 200-meter semi-final heat at the Olympic Trials. That same year, he became the world junior champion in the 200m and 4x100m relay.
Norman had a decorated college career at the University of Southern California, winning four NCAA titles and setting multiple records, including the world-best time in the indoor 400m. He most recently placed eighth in the men's 400-meter race at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, clocking 45.62 seconds; Quincy Hall won the race in 43.40 seconds, earning another gold medal for the United States.
Michael Norman’s Olympic Medals
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, Michael Norman won a gold medal as a part of the United States' 4x400m relay team. The team, which included Norman, Michael Cherry, Bryce Deadmon, and Rai Benjamin, set a new Olympic record time of 2:55.70. In the individual 400-meter event at the same Olympics, Norman finished in fifth place with a time of 44.31 seconds.
Michael Norman’s Medals Breakdown
At the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Norman won the gold medal in the 400m event with a time of 44.29 seconds. He became the first American to win the 400m world title since 2013. He also won a gold medal as part of the United States' 4x400m relay team at the 2022 World Championships. The team recorded a season-best time of 2:56.17.
| Medal | Event | Year | Location | Discipline |
| Olympic Games | Gold medal | 2020 | Tokyo | 4×400 m relay |
| World Championships | Gold medal | 2022 | Eugene | 400 m |
| World Championships | Gold medal | 2022 | Eugene | 4×400 m relay |
| Diamond League | Winner | 2019 | 400 m | |
| World Junior Championships | Gold medal | 2016 | Bydgoszcz | 200 m |
| World Junior Championships | Gold medal | 2016 | Bydgoszcz | 4×100 m relay |
Michael Norman’s Olympic Appearances
Michael Norman has appeared in one Olympic Games event so far, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021.
Michael Norman’s Record & Achievement
Held the world best time in the indoor 400m at 44.52 seconds, set in 2018.
In 2019, he ran the 400m in 43.45 seconds, tying for the 4th fastest time ever.
One of only three men to run sub-10 seconds in the 100m, sub-20 seconds in the 200m, and sub-44 seconds in the 400m, along with Wayde Van Niekerk and Fred Kerley.
Four-time NCAA champion while representing the University of Southern California.
2016 World Junior Champion in the 200m and 4x100m relay.
Michael Norman's Olympic Journey
Norman made his long-awaited Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021. His journey to the Olympics began years earlier as a highly touted high school star from Vista Murrieta High School in California. In 2016, as a high school senior, Norman narrowly missed making the U.S. Olympic team, finishing 5th in the 200m final at the trials.
In Tokyo, Norman's Olympic dream was realised as he secured a gold medal as part of the U.S. 4x400m relay team that set a new Olympic record of 2:55.70. In the individual 400m event, he finished a strong 5th with a time of 44.31 seconds.
FAQ's On Michael Norman’s Medals
A. Yes, Michael Norman competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, where he won a gold medal as part of the U.S. 4x400m relay team and finished 5th in the individual 400m event.
A. No, Michael Norman did not compete in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary due to injuries.
A. Michael Norman was born on December 3, 1997, in San Diego, California, United States.
A. Michael Norman is 26 years old as of August 2024. He was born on December 3, 1997.
A. Michael Norman's 400-meter personal best is 43.45 seconds, set at the 2019 Mt. SAC Relays.
