Michael Norman at US Trials
Michael Norman at US Trials

Michael Norman, the 25-year-old sprinter, and 2019 world 400m champion, is turning his focus to the 100m. Norman had always been identified as a potential 100m runner since his high school days, with coaches Quincy Watts and Caryl Smith Gilbert of USC and nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis of Houston, suggesting that he had the natural ability to make the switch.

Norman plans to race the 100m at July’s USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, hoping to earn one of the three spots for the August World Championships in Budapest.

Norman believes that he has achieved everything he wanted in the 400m and is now ready to try something new.

“I can comfortably say that I’ve achieved what I wanted to achieve in the 400m, and I can start challenging myself and trying something new in attempting to medal and break records in the 100m,” was quoted by NBC Sports saying.

Michael Norman at US Trials
Michael Norman at US Trials

Norman’s ultimate goal is to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024, and he views the 2023 season as a stepping stone to achieving this.

Norman clocked 9.86 seconds in the 100m in 2020, which was the fastest time in the world for the year. He returned to the 400m in 2021, where he placed fifth in Tokyo, but his focus is now on the 100m. Norman hopes to compete against other reigning world champions at the upcoming world championships, which include Fred Kerley (100m), Noah Lyles (200m), and himself (400m). The US nationals will be the first hurdle for Norman, where he will compete with top sprinters such as Christian Coleman and Trayvon Bromell for a place on the national team.

Michael Norman is taking a risk by shifting his focus to the 100m, but he feels it’s time to try something new. He could be a top contender for the Paris Olympics if he succeeds.

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Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.