Michael Norman Can Win Olympic 400m Gold...This is Why

Michael Norman opened up is 2024 Season with a 400m in 44.21 seconds. That's his first race since July 2023, his first 400m since August 2022 and the 9th fastest time of his career. Is he now a threat for gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris?
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⏰Video Timestamps
00:00 Intro
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About: This video is about Michael Norman's Potential to win Olympic Gold Medal in Paris 2024

[@AllInTheGame01]

Gardiner, Norman, WvN & Kirani are some of my favourite athletes of the last decade & the fact that at least one of them will not be on the Paris podium is a little sad :( Love that Norman opened up fast (44.21) but not stupid fast (43.45 PB) like in April '19, but hard to ignore that to date, he's never beaten Gardiner in their 3 races. Hope both of them also jump into a couple of 200s on the circuit. Norman, Benjamin & Kerley in another lifetime would easily be the US M400m Team, same with the group of Deadmon, Allison & J Lyles if the latter moved up & ran the event he should be running!

[@TheFinalLeg]

Absolutely. Out of all of them, I would love to see Kirani win one more medal before retiring, which would make him the first male athlete to win 4 medals in the same event at the Olympics in a track event. Its crazy to say but if I made a prediction right now, I would say Wayde is the odd one out but only going based on how he has performed in Eugene and Budapest, despite good early season form in 2023. But for all of them, I am keeping an eye on Samukonga and Ndori. I spoke with Samukonga at World Relays briefly and he is very very driven to get to Paris and at least make the final. And he said from there anything can happen. Ndori is almost like a calm version of Tebogo. He is quiet, doesn't want the attention, but will simply execute when ready . Wayde (2016 Gold), Davis Kamoga (1996 Bronze), Samson Kitur (1992 Bronze), and Julius Sang (1972 Bronze) are the only 400m Olympic medalists in African history. Could we see 2 African athletes on the podium for the first time?

[@AllInTheGame01]

​​@@TheFinalLeg In terms of history, would be incredible to see 2 African Men win Olympic 100m Medals (Tebogo & Simbine), 200m Medals (Tebogo & Udodi) & 400m Medals (Ndori & Samukonga), but realistically, the best to hope for is Tebogo medalling in both 100/200m & one of Ndori/Samukonga medalling in the 400m with at least one of Pillay, Nene & Scotch hopefully making the Final as well.

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

You also believe Joe Lyles should do the 400m? Bro I've been thinking this for the longest time. He was the first of the Lyles brothers i discovered WAAAAY back in 2015 at the Cali World Youth Championships. He finished second behind Christopher Taylor(Been a minute since he showed himself). I can't remember the last timw Joe ran a 400m, but it wasn't that long ago. I think 2022. I honestly don't like the fact that he's referred to as "The brother of Noah Lyles". Man I wonder what he could do if he runs the 400m and focuses solely on that, because he was so good at his youth. Hopefully this way he can step out of his brothers shadow. I believe his best of 19.95 in the 200m would help. Not sure if thats the exact time, but he did break 20 at the US trials in '22

[@shamarharvey6117]

@@khumokwezimashapa2245Chris Taylor has been provisionally suspended due to whereabouts violations (he missed it due to him having a flight) he won’t return till next year

[@AllInTheGame01]

@@khumokwezimashapa2245 One of the things I find infuriating in the sport is when talented athletes waste valuable career time in the wrong event. I've been banging the drum for Josephus to be primarily a quarter-miler for as long as I can remember, but he seems hellbent on being a short sprinter in the most difficult country to be a short sprinter in! Everything that ppl have said about Matthew Boling moving up to the 400m also applies to Josephus who ran 45.09 as a Junior, a time that Boling (45.17 PB) has yet to beat! Was hoping when he recently moved to Coach Vince Anderson to train with Deadmon & Allison that he was finally looking to make a US 400/4x400m Team, but unfortunately, he's still in the short sprints :(

[@MichaelJohnson-wk8tk]

Steven Gardiner is deadly in championships and always a force to be reckoned with. Michael, however, times comparable to Steven's. I have followed him since his high school days and witnessed his tremendous potential. I agree with you that he should certainly be in the conversation for the gold medal. I think it's a matter of mental fitness and executing when it counts. I wish him luck in Paris. BTW, great video!

[@TheFinalLeg]

Agree, aside from some injuries and DNFs, Steven has not lost a 400m race he finished since 2017 when he won Silver behind Wayde in London. But as you noted, Norman (43.45) and Gardiner (43.48) are close in PBs so if healthy, we should expect a very very good race. They have only raced twice in 2021 so Gardiner has gotten the best of Norman, but lets see how things play out this year.

[@markn1978]

Final leg is a great channel. Good analysis with no click bait.

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

It took sub 44 to win every Olympics since '92 with one exception. 1992 Barcelona - 43.50 Quincy Watts 1996 Atlanta - 43.49 Michael Johnson 2000 Sydney - 43.87 Michael Johnson 2004 Athens - 44.01 Jeremy Wariner 2008 Beijing - 43.75 Leshawn Merit 2012 London - 43.94 Kirani James 2016 Rio - *43.03 Wayde Van Niekerk* 2021 Tokyo - 43.85 Steven Gardiner It'll probably be a sub 44, but I don't see it being faster than 43.5.

[@TheFinalLeg]

I agree it will take sub-44 seconds (2004 was a major shift in generation after the MJ era so makes sense even though it was close!). But I do think that sub 43.5 is possible. If Steven and Michael are healthy both are capable of sub 43.5 and surpassing their PBs, even if its just low 43.4

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

@@TheFinalLeg Oh ye a sub 43.5 is definitely possible. I only said that in m original comment just based off of history. Only two have gone sub 43.5 at the Olympics. But hey. This year is looking like it could change, because as far as I know. We've never had 3 sub 43.5 runners competing at the same time. The closest we've come to that was Reynolds and Johnson in the 90s, but Reynolds wasn't anywhere near as consistent as Johnson or even the guys running now.

[@TheFinalLeg]

@@khumokwezimashapa2245 yea exactly. I Wayde, Lashawn and Kirani were actually the next closest to what we saw in the 80s/90s. both 2015 and 2016 were the only times all medalists were sub 44 seconds. And Kirani ran 43.7 in Beijing and got bronze! Merritt 43.8 in Rio got Bronze! 2019 we were close with Norman running 43.45 in April and Gardiner 43.48 in Doha, but Norman was injured there so couldn't show up to match Gardiner. But yea, I hear you, I think in my mind I WANT that to happen, but it will be very very tough.

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

@@TheFinalLeg I actually want that to happen too, but man. With the crazy times people have been saying they'll run *cough cough* Noah Lyles. I'm being very carefully with my expectations 😂

[@ianm8218]

Opening up with 44.2 is a really good sign for mike, he might have his best season this year.

[@BlackAfrikan]

Always enjoy your videos. You’re becoming one of the best in the game. Keep it up 👍🏿

[@TheFinalLeg]

Always appreciate you!💯

[@sandyacombs]

US 4 x 400m Michael Norman, Champion Allison, Fred Kerley, Rai Benjamin!

[@TheFinalLeg]

This could be a really strong team! But in 2024? What about Bryce Deadmon, Quincy Hall, Elija Godwin, Trevor Bassitt, etc.?

[@sandyacombs]

@@TheFinalLeg Bassitt was ranked #79 in the world last year 45.25, no way! The rest are a good team but not an amazing team, there's no exceptional athlete on that team, no one who can run sub 44 even in a relay.

[@TheFinalLeg]

@@sandyacombs that's fair, I guess my question is why Fred Kerley and Champion Alison on the team based on the form we have seen from everyone so far this year?

[@sandyacombs]

@@TheFinalLeg Kerley and Champ are both great relay runners, they're hunters, and they also have shown the ability to run some extraordinary times. Of course there are several teams you could put together that would win gold. I don't see any other country that has 4 great quarter milers, and the US has 6 or 7.

[@jeaneunia1178]

​@@sandyacombswhat about Botswana last week-end ?

[@Rack979]

As I heard on some "Take" livestream last night, Oxy is more of a distance-runner track, 44-low there is quite impressive!

[@kennethwoods6525]

Canada's Christopher Morales Williams 44.05 at the SEC Champs May 11, 2024.

[@marfu1119]

Steven Gardiner at his best is unbeatable he has longer stride. Unfortunately, he had alot injuries since 2022. The men's 400m has been wide open in the last couple of years is because the best are injured like Wayde Van Niekerk & Steve Gadnier. Wayde Van Niekerk is the world record holder but since his injury in 2018 he has never been the same athlete if he and Steven Gardiner were healthy the other guys wouldn't stand a chance against them. Shame Fred Kerley step down from the 400m event he had potential in the event he's 43:00 runner. Because of this the standard went down.

[@TheFinalLeg]

Curious if you think any of the young talent (Ndori, Samukonga, Champion Alison etc.) have the potential to get down to 43.5 or better in the next few years?

[@marfu1119]

​​​​​@@TheFinalLegTo be honest I don't know much about those athletes but I doubt any of the current 400m athletes can run 43:50. Besides not many men have run under 43:50 is not an easy time to run. I will look into those athletes to see whether I think if they can run below 43:50 in the next couple of years.

[@Neofolis]

You can never right off Michael Norman, because he is capable of running really fast times, but even when he's healthy, he is not the most consistent runner. Hopefully we get a good final, there are plenty of athletes who could make it a great final, but most of the guys who have been around a while have had injury problems over the years, so just getting them all there will be an achievement.

[@facereality0007]

If Tebogo runs the open 400. I think he would win it. Esp if he focused all year on it. 44.29 with no competition and no real experience. But i know that's just a dream.

[@TheFinalLeg]

Yup, he already said he has no plans of running the 400m this year or in the near future. Maybe down the line but he is focused on the 100/200 this year. But agree that his ceiling is extremely high in the 400m!

[@robinbauer1975]

He won’t he said he will not focus on it for the next few years he just ran it out of training this season

[@spider-man1918]

Great video. Norman 200 speed is unmatched. Track is 95% mental. If Norman is mentally and injury free. He will win the gold.The 4x400 it's over.

[@TheFinalLeg]

Thats whats crazy, he is actually the fastest 400m sprinter in the field. Gardiner and Van Niekerk are fast, but Norman is significantly faster over 100/200. If injury-free, he has a lot of potential for sure!

[@shariffroberts3193]

Gardiner is unbelievable in championships

[@kennethwoods6525]

The men's 400mH is the more intriguing race. 🏃‍♂️💨💨💨🔥

[@strikeforcetracktraining2253]

GREAT MOVE ON NORMAN PART JOHN NEED TO CATCH UP WITH THE TIMES

[@TheFinalLeg]

You think it was a good move for him to return to Quincy Watts and not remain with John Smith? Just curious what you mean by catch up with the times?

[@ckk8776]

I love Norman..

[@StGCfiLife]

Gardener and the UK guy look good too.

[@matembwerematembwere9207]

Well informed inlook❤❤❤

[@gailjones1807]

Yeah, Norman is with his buddy and that makes a difference!!! He has to compete for the United States Olympics Trials first, and then punch his ticket to PARIS!!! Thanks for sharing though!!!

[@TheFinalLeg]

Agree, that's why I noted at the end I cant give him the gold medal, or even a medal yet, since he still needs to make the team. But your right, having a good training partner is a game changer, especially for your mentality.

[@lizardlordlordoflizards5096]

What about that Botswanan guy?

[@mSprinter-rs9ow]

My top 3 this year：Gardiner, Norman, Samukonga

[@stevewise1656]

Norman had so much talent in all three sprints and fell off the table.

[@teddyjones6837]

4:48 Quincy Wil... Hall lol

[@TheFinalLeg]

hahaha Im tapering my expectations on Quincy Wilson for now! Let's see him make the Olympic trials finals first before I truly put him in the convo!

[@teddyjones6837]

@@TheFinalLeg hahaha it sounded like you were about to say Wilson and then caught yourself haha

[@TheFinalLeg]

@@teddyjones6837 oh oh hahahahaha you right!

[@travelwithsere]

Do you think 2023 World Champion Antonio Watson will medal in the 400m at Paris? People are counting him out as he hasn't been performing as well this season as he should be.

[@wesleytwiggs7687]

Niekerk winning would be really cool.

[@TheFinalLeg]

Yea that would be a major comeback story and a historic moment for the 400m

[@wesleytwiggs7687]

@@TheFinalLeg 🤞

[@StGCfiLife]

I thought he converted to a 100/200m sprinter???

[@kennethwoods6525]

True for 2023. Glad he snapped out of it for 2024.

[@bo2.4u6]

No speculating!!!!! Let's see what happens❤

[@TheFinalLeg]

No speculation is no fun! Lets get the discussion going on predictions as the season progresses!

[@daradamvs3056]

Also you left out Champion he can def metal with his 43.7 PR

[@stephentrader9142]

He needs to bring his A game to win

[@TheFinalLeg]

Agree, the field is very competitive!

[@robinbauer1975]

I’ma say Kirani should medal I don’t think Norman will do it weird athlete sureley a bromell type athlete never shows up when it matters (only 2022 expetion) the most despite being the best when you don’t need to be fit.. Ndori should be the wildcard tbh he can run sub 44 and seems to stay quit and lowkey in the shadow of the GOAT Tebogo and he seems happy about it

[@wonDER1973]

Norman and Watts have all had issues with gauging timing during a season. I worry about his durability. He has fluctuated wildly in his brief career. Having Fred Kerley in the training group looks good on paper , but he had an iffy indoor season. To tell you the truth many of the top athletes are seem to be holding out until Oly Trials.

[@LyntisMoten]

Let us see the next couple of competitions. That will tell the story. He's been a disappointment for me. However, he can win and is capable of a work record.

[@TheFinalLeg]

Yea will be interesting to see how his next few races go. I think we have had expectations based on his talent which has led to us fans wanting more, but I wouldn't call it a disappointment. He's been dealing with injuries so I cant be disappointed. I can only hope he remains healthy and shows up ready to run at Trials and potentially in Paris

[@Meechooilka]

Neither van Nieker, nor Watson will feature in Paris. And sadly, Kirani James will not feature for the medals either. I just hope that both Norman and Gardiner are healthy. We want an EPIC showdown. But who cares about men's 400m? Let's talk about RHASIDAT ADELEKE and say her name 1000 times! If you weren't absessed with her before Nassau, you definitely are now!!!!!!!!! :D

[@TheFinalLeg]

Haha you already know I have been screaming Adeleke's name indoor season last year! But why don't you think Wayde, Kirani or Antonio will be true medal contenders in Paris?

[@Meechooilka]

@@TheFinalLeg I mean OK, Van Niekerk did run 44.08 last year, but overall it realy feels like he never got back to the pre-injury form. Kirani, for all my admiration for him, will maybe not be able to keep up with all the younger ones. And as for the reigning champion, I don't know anything about him pre- or post-Budapest. People gave Phyllis Francis a lot of flack for winning that one race back in 2017 and nothing else. I hope the same story is not going to happen to Watson.

[@therealkray93]

No Tebogo for a 400m contender? 👀

[@TheFinalLeg]

Tebogo confirmed he is not running the 400m anymore this year. He will only run on Botswana's 4x4 in Paris if they need him but he is focusing on the 100/200

[@therealkray93]

@@TheFinalLeg gotcha!!!

[@yennox5338]

​@@therealkray93 There's also more money and marketability in the 100m/200m.

[@daradamvs3056]

I’m still recovering from the fact they did my boy Randolph Ross so dirty. I promise yall Ross was gonna be USA’s biggest prospect surpassing Norman. 😢 we need to go on strike BRING BACK ROSS BRING BACK ROSS

[@yennox5338]

How did they do him dirty?

[@daradamvs3056]

@@yennox5338 they banned him for JUST the right amount of time to keep him out of not 1 but 2!!!! Olympic Games. They’re were excessive with his penalty. His suspension ends right after the Paris games. I think it’s cruel and damn near career ending for what? Missing a drug test. Not testing positive but missing a test? I get it, he shouldn’t go unpunished but come on like… i honestly think they did it to destroy his career.

[@yennox5338]

@@daradamvs3056 Don't forget his father also got popped so they might be holding that against the son too. 🤔

[@daradamvs3056]

@@yennox5338 i never knew that 🫢 but come on they’re all on supplements. Just gotta use the right ones i guess 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@kennethwoods6525]

Randolph Ross 's attempt at deception made his situation worse. Hope he stayed in school to finish his degree.

[@desmondyung]

Michael Norman is suffering from mid life crisis

[@matembwerematembwere9207]

Norman will be a medal contender not gold

[@EuanHenry]

One of the most overrated runners,