College Career
At South Plains College, Norwood established himself as a formidable 400m runner. His performances at the junior college level earned him a spot at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he thrived. At LSU, he became a two-time NCAA champion, winning the 400 meters and the 4×400 meters relay in 2015. His time of 44.44 seconds in the 400m final at the NCAA Outdoor Championships solidified his status as one of the best collegiate athletes in the country.
Norwood’s NCAA titles attracted attention from the professional track and field world, leading him to turn pro shortly after his collegiate success.
Professional Career
After graduating from LSU, Norwood transitioned smoothly into professional competition. In 2015, he quickly made his mark on the global stage, earning a spot on Team USA’s 4×400 meters relay squad for the World Championships in Beijing. There, Norwood ran in the finals, helping the U.S. secure the gold medal with a stellar anchor leg, showcasing his speed and composure under pressure.
His performance in the 4×400 meters relay became a defining part of his career. He continued to be a critical member of the U.S. relay teams at major international competitions.
- In 2016, he competed at the World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon, winning gold as part of the 4×400 meters relay team.
- In 2019, Norwood added another World Championship gold medal to his résumé, as the U.S. relay team once again dominated the competition in Doha, Qatar.
Olympic Success
One of the highlights of Norwood’s career came during the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021 in Tokyo). Competing in the 4×400 meters relay, Vernon was instrumental in helping Team USA win the gold medal in the event. His performance cemented his legacy as one of the top relay runners of his generation.
Recent Achievements
Norwood has continued to compete at a high level post-Olympics, contributing to the U.S. relay team’s success at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he won yet another gold medal in the 4×400 meters relay.
He remains active in both individual 400m competitions and relay events, regularly competing on the Diamond League circuit and other international competitions. His ability to maintain consistency in a highly competitive event like the 400 meters is a testament to his work ethic and athletic ability.
Key Achievements:
- NCAA Champion: 400m, 4x400m relay (2015)
- World Championships Gold Medalist: 4x400m relay (2015, 2019)
- Olympic Gold Medalist: 4x400m relay (2020 Tokyo Olympics)
- World Indoor Championships Gold Medalist: 4x400m relay (2016)
- World Championships Gold Medalist: 4x400m relay (2022)