Credit: USA Today
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Michael Norman, the California high school track and field legend from Vista Murrieta High School who went on to win The Bowerman Award at USC, is a World Champion!
With the finish in sight, Norman would not be denied, powering his way into the lead on the home straight and surging through the line to win the 400-meter title on Friday night at the World Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
From the USA Track and Field website:
"Fulfilling the promise he first showed as the 2016 World U20 200m champion, Michael Norman overcame an early deficit and overtook Olympic bronze medalist Kirani James of Grenada down the homestretch to win in 44.29.
"Norman was almost two-tenths behind James at the halfway mark and closed the gap over the final bend before a spirited push for victory."
Norman talks to reporters after his 400-meter victory
On Sunday, the final day of the championships, Norman won a second gold medal with a team-best 43.64 second-leg on the winning 4x400-meter relay team.
Under the guidance of Coach Coley Candaele at Vista Murrieta, Norman led the Broncos to CIF-State Meet team titles in 2015 and 2016. Norman swept the 200 meters and 400 meters both years and in 2016, he also helped the Broncos sweep the relays, running the lead leg on the winning 4x1 and the anchor on the 4x4.
In 2015, Norman set State Meet records in the 200m (20.30) and in the 400m (45.19). On the state's all-time lists, Norman ranks first in the 200m (20.14 legal, 20.24 windy), third for 400m (45.19), fifth in the 100m (10.27), and fifth in the 4x1 (40.32). That 20.14 is tied for No. 3 in U.S. prep history.
At USC, Norman, now 24, won four NCAA titles, set a still-standing collegiate record of 43.61, and earned the coveted Bowerman in 2018, presented annually to the top collegiate track and field athlete.
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All Photo Credits: USA Today
