Michael Norman is an American sprinter and one of the fastest 400m runners as of May 2024. He was born on December 3, 1997, in San Diego, California. His personal best of 43.45 seconds ranks him as one of the fastest ever in the race, currently tied for fourth all-time.
He won gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 4x400m relay and dominated at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, securing wins in both the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay.
His 2022 individual win marked a significant moment, as it was the first time an American man had claimed the 400m world title since 2013. Earlier in his career, Norman's talent was obvious at the 2016 World U20 Championships, where he won two gold medals as a teenager, winning the 200m and 4x100m relay.
He joins an elite group of just three men who have achieved sub-10 seconds in the 100m (9.86), sub-20 in the 200m (19.70), and sub-44 in the 400m. The other two that are a part of this are Wayde van Niekerk and Fred Kerley. While competing for the USC Trojans, Norman set the indoor 400m world best at 44.52 seconds in 2018.
His parents, Nobue Saito and Michael Norman Sr., both had careers in track and field, which might have contributed to his inclination toward the sport.
Who are Michael Norman's Parents?
Michael Norman's parents are Nobue Saito, a former Japanese sprinter, and Michael Norman Sr., an African-American athlete.
Who is Michael Norman's Mother?
Nobue Saito Norman is from Japan and was a sprinter during her middle school years. She set a 100-metre record in Japan.
In a 2021 interview ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Michael mentioned being able to compete in his "mom's home country" and reconnecting with her Japanese roots by learning the language to prepare.
Who is Michael Norman's Father?
Michael Norman Sr. is the father of Michael Norman Jr. He was a track athlete during the days he was active in the sports. Michael Norman Sr. worked as an aircraft administration and maintenance management training instructor at CNATTU North Island.
What Nationality are Michael Norman's Parents?
Michael Norman's parents have different nationalities. His mother, Nobue Saito, is Japanese, while his father, Michael Norman Sr., is an African-American from the United States.
What is the Ethnicity of Michael Norman?
Michael Norman's ethnicity is mixed. His father is African-American and his mother is Japanese.
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FAQ's On Michael Norman’s Parents
A. Michael Norman has a mixed ethnic background, born to an African-American father and a Japanese mother in San Diego, California.
A. As of May 2024, after switching his focus to the 100m in 2023, Michael Norman has returned to being coached by Quincy Watts, his former coach and a 1992 Olympic gold medalist in the 400m.
A. Michael Norman's weight is 78 kg (171 lbs).
A. No, Michael Norman announced in August 2023 that he would not be defending his world title at the 2023 World Championships due to a frustrating season, and would be stepping away from the track for the remainder of 2023 to refocus for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A. Michael Norman's major accomplishments are winning gold at the 2022 Worlds in 400m and 4x400m, gold in the 4x400m at the 2020 Olympics, and setting the indoor 400m world best of 44.52 seconds.
