INDIANAPOLIS — Running the fastest men’s 400m since 2019, Michael Norman (Sherman Oaks, California/USATF Southern California) earned recognition as the 21st USATF Athlete of the Week award winner for 2022. Norman, a gold medalist in the 4x400m relay and fifth in the 400m at Tokyo last summer, ran the 10th-fastest time in U.S. history to win the Nike Prefontaine Classic in 43.60. His time broke the Diamond League record of 43.62 that was set in 2017 by world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa. It also bettered the Pre Classic meet record of 43.92 that was set by Michael Johnson in 2000. Only four other U.S. men besides Norman have ever run faster. Other top performances from last week:
Now in its 21st year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week when there are high-level competitions and features the athlete on USATF.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week. 2022 Winners: January 10, Alicia Monson; January 17, Keira D’Amato; January 24, Nyckoles Harbor; January 31, Elle Purrier St. Pierre; February 7, Chris Nilsen; February 14, Grant Fisher; February 21, Camille Herron; February 28, Cole Hocker; March 7, Grant Fisher; March 14, Randolph Ross; March 21, Grant Holloway; March 28, Anna Hall; April 4, Natalie Cook; April 11, Valarie Allman; April 18, Gabby Thomas; April 25, Robyn Stevens; May 2, Erriyon Knighton; May 9, Emily Sisson; May 16, Britton Wilson; May 23, Janee’ Kassanavoid; May 30, Michael Norman. We welcome your nominations! To nominate an athlete for USATF Athlete of the Week, please send a detailed email about his/her performance to communications@usatf.org. Join the conversation with USATF on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the hashtag #USATF.