Track star who took a yearlong break from running sets out to redeem himself at his second Olympics

U.S. sprinter Michael Norman, who qualified for his second Olympics this week, said he’s reminding himself to be patient after an “underwhelming” Tokyo Games.

U.S. sprinter Michael Norman, who qualified for his second Olympics this week, said he’s reminding himself to be patient after an “underwhelming” Tokyo Games. 

“This is the start of my redemption story,” he said. “I know I have a lot faster times in me. I know I’m in great shape. It’s just I need to execute the race the way my coach wants me to.”

The California native did not win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but the next year, he won the world championship. The fluctuating race results took a toll on his mental health.

From left, Bryce Deadmon, Michael Norman, and Khaleb McRae at the U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Ore., on June 24, 2024. Christian Petersen / Getty Images“I found myself getting flustered and frustrated at practice a lot. And I was going down like a downward spiral,” recalled Norman, who took a break from track and field for about a year for a reset. “It was best for me to take a step back from the sport and regain myself so when it’s time to train for pairs, I can be 100% focused and just leave all the emotions in the past.

Stream every moment and every medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock, starting with the Opening Ceremony July 26 at 12 p.m. ET.

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/michael-norman-olympics-rcna159400

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