Michael Norman

About

American sprinter, runner, marathoner, and athlete who ultimately became widely known in high school after defeating the reigning U.S. champion Justin Gatlin in the 200 m semi-finals at the 2016 Olympic Trials. He is of African-American and Japanese heritage.

Before fame

During his junior year at Vista Murrieta High School, Norman broke the NFHS 400 m record, clocking 45.19 seconds at the June 2015 CIF California State Meet at Buchanan High School. His performance stands as one of the fastest 400 m by a U.S. high school athlete racing other high schoolers.

Trivia

He has received multiple awards, including the Gatorade Track and Field Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, and The Bowerman in 2018. He is a four-time NCAA champion who set or helped set collegiate records in every NCAA final he ran in 2018, including a world-best indoor 400 m and an unofficial world record in the indoor 4×400 m relay.

Family life

He and his wife Jenna Norman got married in November 2024.

Associated with

He posted a video weight training with Rai Benjamin in March 2023.