"I told (Quincy Wilson), ‘Don’t worry about this. I'm going to get you a gold medal. I promise you.’ I kept telling him, 'Don't worry about this, you're good.’ I think he was just a little bit disappointed in how he performed, but I'm like, ‘Don't even worry about that stuff. You're about to walk away with an Olympic gold medal at 16-years-old. There are people who would love to be in your position who are just not. Remember this, feed off this, and understand that this is only going to make you better because now you see how an international competition is.’"
Vernon Norwood joins the show fresh off a successful trip to the Paris Olympics, where he played a pivotal role in Team USA’s triumphs as one of the veterans and hypemen of the squad. Vernon was the second leg of the American men’s 4×400-meter relay team to their third consecutive Olympic gold, clocking an astonishing split of 43.30 seconds on his leg.
This was just one day after he blazed through the heats with a 43.54 split, showcasing his consistency and brilliance under pressure.
Vernon’s efforts didn’t just earn Team USA the gold—they also set an Olympic record with a time of 2:54.43.
And let’s not forget, earlier in the meet, Vernon was part of the mixed 4×400 relay team that shattered both the World and Olympic records with a time of 3:07.41 in the heats. They went on to take silver in the final behind The Netherlands.
Vernon is a legend for these Games not just for his speed and demeanor on the track but his ability to deliver when it matters most.
5:09 - Reflecting on his experience at the Paris Olympics.
6:57 - What felt different about this year’s Team USA.
12:40 - His relationship with Quincy Wilson
14:19 - His goals heading into the Olympics.
17:17 - Addressing criticism on the mixed 4x400m relay.
20:19 - Thoughts on Quincy Wilson’s Olympic performance.
24:54 - What his ideal 4x400m relay team would have been.
27:44 - Thoughts on Letsile Tebogo and Team Botswana.
36:59 - Team USA’s 4x400m relay order + race strategy..
41:28 - Thoughts on Noah Lyles
46:58 - Plans for the remainder of the season.
48:50 - Rapid fire questions + answers.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Vernon Norwood | @vernon400m on Instagram
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