Michael Norman on His Return to Track & Field and Overcoming Injury | Journey To Gold Zone Podcast

Michael Norman discusses overcoming injury, the mental toll of recovery, and his transition to training under Coach Flo in Austin.

Michael Norman joins Journey To Gold Zone Podcast for an in-depth conversation about the injury that forced him to step away from the sport and the long process of returning to competition. Norman opens up about the physical and mental toll of the process, detailing the full timeline of what happened and how the experience reshared his perspective. He also discusses leaving Los Angeles and longtime coach Quincy Watts and training partner Rai Benjamin to begin a new chapter in Austin under Coach Flo, explaining the adjustments he's making in training and the lessons he hopes will help him evolve as a 400m runner. For the first time in his career, Norman enters a season without being viewed as the clear favorite. He reflects on embracing the underdog role, the changing landscape of the 400m after Paris, the meets on his schedule this year, and why his focus is ultimately centered on being ready for the 2028 LA Olympics. Don’t miss the best of American track & field. Subscribe for more USATF action → youtube.com/@usatf Stay up to date with the latest highlights, interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and championship coverage. Follow USATF Across All Platforms Instagram → instagram.com/usatf TikTok → tiktok.com/@usatf Facebook → facebook.com/USATF X (Twitter) → twitter.com/usatf Become a USATF Member Whether you want to support the team, participate locally or have Olympic aspirations: usatf.org/membership Watch Live & On-Demand Catch the best in American track & field all year long: USATF.TV → usatf.tv Shop Official USATF Gear Rep the world’s fastest team → team-usatf-store.myshopify.com/