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 200m 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.
Since turning professional in 2019, he has established himself as one of the premier sprinters globally, winning Olympic and World Championship gold medals in the 400m and 4x400m relay events.
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 400m event at the same Olympics, Norman finished in fifth place with a time of 44.31 seconds.
Michael Norman’s Olympic Medals Wins
In the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, Michael Norman won a gold medal as part of the USA's 4x400m relay team. The quartet, consisting of Norman, Michael Cherry, Bryce Deadmon, and Rai Benjamin, clocked a new Olympic record of 2:55.70.
During that year's Olympic 400-meter race, Norman came in fifth place, clocking in at 44.31 seconds.
Michael Norman’s Medals Breakdown
World Championships
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.
Norman 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.
Summer Olympics
| Event | Medal | Year |
| 4x400m Relay | Gold | 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
| 400m | 5th Place | 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
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.
At the University of Southern California, Norman overcame injuries and doubts to become a four-time NCAA champion and set the college record in the 400m. He turned professional in 2019 after running 43.45 in the 400m, the fourth-fastest time in history.
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.
