Michael Norman wins 400 meters gold at the World Championships

On Friday, Michael Norman finally delivered on the big stage as he persevered through a loaded field to win gold in the 400-meter final at the World Championships and carry on the American gold run at home.

Norman was under immense pressure since he entered the race as the fastest man in the world this year. Despite a string of setbacks in recent seasons, Norman maintained his form in a sprint to the finish line to win in 44.29 seconds.

Grenada’s Kirani James won silver in 44.48, while Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, who has had a terrible run with injuries lately, won bronze in 44.66.

Only three men—Norman and South African Wayde van Niekerk—have ever run the 100 meters in under ten seconds, the 200 meters in under twenty seconds, and the 400 meters in under forty seconds. The other is newly crowned 100-meter champion Fred Kerley.

Van Niekerk, the current world record holder, was unable to maintain his challenge and faded to finish sixth, but there were plenty of others putting pressure on Norman.