No one else is doing this type of insightful and thoughtful analysis. Not Flo Track, Citius, or those twin guys. You’re serious, analytical and respectful. Appreciate you brotha.
Thank you for you informative information and not using that garbage click bait tactic the others are using. Your now my information source for Track and Field.
Great episode! Wow, that was a mouthful! I didn't realize that the shoe companies had that much say in the matter. It seems like moves were being made on behalf of the athletes not in full consideration of the athletes and their current situation. As for Michael, he is still one of the greatest athletes of our generation! The talent is still there. He will bounce back and have an amazing career. The best is yet to come for him. Thank you for another great episode!
Agree! Michael is a once in a generation talent and still has many many years to go! But yea I'm sure shoe companies put things like these in their contracts with athletes, and because they are investing in certain coaches, they want to move certain athletes with them even if things are going well. It works for some, but others struggle with major changes. But As we said, Michael will be able to bounce back. Thanks for always watching!
I've followed Michael since he tried out for the Olympic team in the 200. The is immensely talented but seemingly has had a few setbacks that can happen to anyone. I hope the change brings him the success he deserves. I agree with the all the subscribers who recognize the insightful analysis we get from this channel. Thanks again for all you do in providing positive and respectful commentary of our sport.
Today is the FIRST DAY this Brother right here has gained my RESPECT. Didn't know what to think of him at first but after watching him over and over. He has shown me that HIS CHANNEL MEANS BUSINESS. He don't just MAKE SHYT UP. He comes with facts and whatever he says is backed up by something. He not just blowing smoke up his a** I saw a video of him at Oregon on ground zero at the national champs. He is growing. I love how he put things on the screen and play clips back to SHOW PPL HE NOT JUST TALKING BULL SHYT. I can't do nothing but RESPECT this brother here. I now feel more confident with listening to this brother. My HOUSEOFJUDAH UA-cam channel and this one I subscribed to him on. The Final LEG Channel. I can really see why he has so many subscribers. This guy has a future at getting bigger at this.
Yea, though it was mid season and he's dealing with setbacks, Norman he proven that he can perform when healthy. You don't become world indoor record holder and world outdoor champion without being one of the best.
Really, like he knew what he was doing at the Tokyo Olympics? Did you see how when asked was he injured he pointed to and said "head" and then said he was just joking... he wasn't. USC help make him the runner he is today, and he left it all even devastating former training partner Raj Benjamin who obviously isn't bothered by the college environment.
You're coverage in this facet is eye-opening and well researched. In my opinion, she companies forcing athletes to specific coaching is malpractice. From high school to college, both athletes and coaches should make selections that project success (for themselves). Training partners also matter. Regarding Quincy Watts, he is a former athlete who transitioned from 100/200 to 400, so he is well informed in what it takes to have range. Friend and training partner in Rai. This is more personal, or he would never have switched mid- season. The Hurdle Mechanics group looks like it makes sense because of the similar disciplines of the athletes. Only if your progress hits a wall should you change up. I'm looking at Ajee Wilson from a far. She looks in need of a change, or she's going through one. You know how I feel. He should've stayed in the 400.
Really appreciate that! Phew, malpractice is heavy! Though I understand your point for sure. I'm sure these sponsors figure ways to put it into the contract that they can move you to one of thier coaches if they see it in their interest or something. But I agree. If training under a college coach is working (Grant Holloway for example and all of Mike Holloways pro athletes in Florida) then why make a drastic change. if the athlete decides to leave thats different. And EXCELLENT point about training partners. The coach is one part of the equation, but the relationships and environment is just as important.
@@TheFinalLeg 😂 I'm a Language Arts teacher by trade, so I'm always invoking a word that fits how I feel from a "0-10" scale. Coaching track is so individualized, especially at the professional level. I coached aged group and high school for years, and I had the most success with the athletes that I had a relationship with. Knowing your athlete on a personal level allows you to meet their needs, athletically and emotionally. I have a bias toward the 400m, and I would love our best to be there. Norman and Kerley are athletes who can run between 43 consistently at championships. I don't see that guy right now.
Super great video. I always look forward to your analysis. Changing coaches mid-season really interrupts the flow more than it seems on the surface. I think that Michael should have made the change between seasons, not only to maintain his season flow, but also out of consideration for the other athletes in his camp and Coach Watts. Regardless, I don't think what he did was a terrible thing, it just wasn't optimal in some regards. That being said, I don't expect an incredible showing in Budapest this year for Michael. Coach John Smith is one of the best and if anybody can bring Michael to the top, it's him. Considering that next year is Paris 2024, Michael Norman's mid-season coaching change seems like a great idea. During the remainder of the 2023 season he can go through any necessary adjustments to become familiar with Coach Smith's camp, so that when he starts to train for the 2024 season it will be as smooth as it can be. Professional athletics is a cutthroat and selfish business, therefore throwing away 2023 to have the best chance for an Olympic gold medal in 2024 is well worth it. It all depends what your priorities are.
Your breakdown and analysis was on point! Excellent point that with Paris Olympics next year, this change probably is helpful now for him to settle in and be ready to attack the Olmypic season. Yes 2023 will take a hit, but I'm sure Michael wants an Olympic Gold, or any individual OLY medal. Will be very interesting to see how things play out!
Great analysis, well thought out. I agree with what Norman insinuated at 7:29, great physical talent with a need for a sports psychologist. Changing coaches isn't an issue, changing coaches in the middle of the season? With regard to coaching all I would say is that a college coach has college coach obligations to which they are adding pro coach obligations. If the coach was an athletes college coach and the athlete has seen success no reason to change but if the athlete feels a change would lead to greater or more consistent success. As things stand he will be remembered for mimicking Kerley's career badly.
Carl Lewis never changed Houston and realtionship with his coach who coached university athlete. I know that coach JS is an unbelievable coach but he has his approach and many sprinters need something else. A coule of years ago I spoke to Shawn Crawford who switched from Boby Kersee to JS and he told me that it hadnt clicked with him and his training style and went back to Bobby. Same with Tyson Gay.. didnt work out either.
You’re correct. Coaches definitely need to take the time to learn their athletes and adapt their methods to fit each athlete. I think the error is in old school coaching who think every athlete should fit the same training methods to get the same results. Sounds valid but humanity doesn’t always align that way.
As a former 400m runner, you have to attack or setup the 3rd 100m. Norman has repeatedly said he falls asleep. Coach Watts wants you to go out hard. You have to face the pain of the last 75m. So he moves to the 100m and 200m but now back to 400m 😂.
I am a miler half miler my view on running the 4 You must be able to run 19.8 or below 200 and a sub 10 for the 100,first 100 in the race make up the stagger then floating without losing speed to arrive at the 300 in contention and then you do a van niekirk over the last 50 hopefully you are not burnt out from the semis.
You can be a great athlete, but if you are lacking motivation at some point in your career a change(coach or environment) might be the solution. I also believe that Michael Norman can make a comeback. I wish him the best. What a great video!
Great analysis. I think Norman needed to break from USC if he wanted to jump into the 100 and 200. John Smith is that dude for the new mission. From the outside it makes perfect sense that a college head coach wouldn't really be able to properly coach professional athletes. It's a different level mentally, emotionally and physically. Keni Harrison's results speak for themselves. She's never been this consistent. Norman to me is a more natural 100, 200 sprinter. The 400 always seemed like a struggle for him even though he's incredibly fast in it. I think the 100 and 200 are easier for his stride pattern and build. Hopefully he'll get similar results with Smith as Keni and Sydney are getting with their coach swtiches.
And I think that it can be tough staying with your college team because as you grow and become more independent, that transition could be tough for both coaches and athletes.
Interesting! I definitely see Norman as a 200m type, I feel the 100m hasn't come as naturally, but he ofcourse has that immense talent to be able to hit the 100-400 range. But to be fair to college coaches, Quincy Watts has made Normand and Benjamin successful while at USC. Look at Mike Holloway in Florida, he has always had a massive pro group and currently works with Grant Holloway, Marquis Dendy, Quincy Hall, Trevor Bassitt, Erriyon Knighton, Joe Fahnbulleh, Quanesha Burks, Donald Scott etc and they have all be successful in various ways under him. So I think it just depends on the coach and their ability to manage both pro and NCAA athletes with the right team. But I agree, I hope Norman makes the transition smooth, recovers from injuries and gets back onto the podium. Thanks for watching!
No offense, this is one of the best videos I have ever seen. I believe Michael needs to go back with Quincy. It seems like everything is falling apart on him.
I still remember a session we had on a monday, one of the hardest workout. He had us run a 400 i think around 51.5 then about 20 seconds later ran a second one we probably came back in about 53 seconds one of the hardest workout i can remember.
You, You-are-it, My Man. 'Ah class above! Thanks! (Mick's relationship with his Mother and the flowers to the young lady in the wheel chair, blesses me to know him as a well bred young man! I'm all in on him.)
Wow, super great video that everyone who follows the sprints has been wondering all year what's wrong with Michael Norman? Injury sounds like the most likely reason. Don't forget coaching changes usually comes with a change in the track facility that you train on. Some tracks are great training tracks while others are fast competition tracks. Often if you are used to training on one type of track for a while and then you change tracks that difference in surface hardness can have a significant negative affect on your body. Tendonitis doesn't surprise me.
I agree with you I have followed Norman since HS. Injuries have played a big part and he gets a little older. I think the 400 is still his best race but the 100 will help in his speed development. These are all great coaches but change is necessary to find the right coaching chemistry. If Norman can stay injury free he will be the best in the world.
Great coverage. I've seen this done with a few athletes and it's sadly ended their careers. When you get money involved running fast is not enough for the shoe companies. You have to be somewhere to sell their brand. The sport has improved in that athletes can now earn a living just by training and competing (compared to yesteryear when athletes had to maintain a day job to eat) but the consequence is that they have to go where the shoe company says they have to go. And frankly the shoe companies are not going to pay a full time professional coach to have just a few athletes, not only that but college coaches will come looking for a cut when that athlete shows success. Money makes it sticky and looks like in the short term Michael Norman got stuck.
It doesn't seem to me that the designation "professional environment" is any kind of pejorative against college coaches. Of course college courses are professionals. But they are coaching college teams. Another kind of coach--Kersee, Smith, etc--is coaching individual professional athletes, not a team of 30 or 40 college athletes. The shoe companies and their coaches are interested in providing the best environment, training, nutrition, and what we might call lifestyle to help professional athletes competing in Diamond League and world championship level meetings to be successful. It's a different job that is tuned to the needs of those athletes. As others have said, I appreciate your analysis and presentation. You are giving us information as an expert and not as a fan like many of the other youtubers covering track and field are doing.
You make an excellent point, but I think sometimes we misinterpret a college/pro coach. The perfect example is Mike Holloway who has a full professional group: Grant Holloway, Erriyon Knighton, Joe Fahnbulleh, Trevor Bassitt, Quanesha Burks, Quincy Hall, Robert Dunning, Marquis Dendy, Donald Scott. He is able to have just as much if not more success coaching NCAA and Pro athletes together so its a bit demining to not look at him as a professional coach. And there's an aspect of being in an NCAA environment that has its benefits where you can get access to facilities and resources at the school that you otherwise may not be able to get. But it depends. But I actually generally agree with you, The shoes companies are trying to create the best situation for their sponsored athletes, and sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. So everyone definitely different as an athlete. I really appreciate you watching!
@@TheFinalLeg good point also about access to facilities. As a long time Boulder resident who used to use the track at Fairview High School on my own, I remember all too well the year not that long ago when conflicts between various users, including professional coaches, led the Boulder Valley school district to remove public access to all the local tracks. Now living in Sapporo, Japan, my only connection to the scene there is what I see in training videos, which seem to show that some coaches are using a track at a junior high school in north Boulder. But the gravy days of dozens of coaches using high school tracks for large numbers of professional athletes seem to be over. Of course the behavior of some of those professional coaches was part of--maybe most of--the problem. Not professional. As an aside, I am frustrated that here in Sapporo, there are only four artificial surface tracks plus one dirt and one cinder track in a metro area of 2.6 million people. Two are at the Atsubetsu Stadium, which is a beautiful, world class facility completely closed to the public. It would be an excellent venue to host a World Championships. One of the remaining two is in a city park not far from my home but is also not open very often, has no parking, and when you can find it open, you have to pay to use it. The other is a full hour drive from me in Nopporo Forest Park and is tightly regulated and scheduled but at least is now free for me to use as a senior citizen. So Sapporo, while being the fifth largest city in Japan and site of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Marathon and a world class stadium, has very little track and field activity and virtually no professional athletes train here. I have to either drive an hour to Nopporo or a slightly shorter drive to use a free dirt track in Moerenuma Park north of the city that is not even flat. Also a cinder track at Hokkaido University that is in disrepair but is at least better than the Moerenuma dirt track. I know of one other track that I can't use that is also dirt, as are all the high school tracks also closed to the public. This last one is at the police training center so also totally off limits. Being from Boulder, this sucks for someone who loves to run on a track. Probably not interesting to anybody but sometimes I can't help myself. ;-)
This is very professional research and analysis of why athletes change coaches throughout their athletic careers in particular Micheal Norman. Like you said Norman has had a lot of success under coach Watts. Is the main reason he left Coach Watts for Coach John Smith is to become a legitimate 100m sprinter? As we all know John Smith is a 100m specialist. Most fans including, I would have like to see him focus this year on defending his 400m title at WC in a very competitive field. What is the link to that interview with this discussion?
Thanks for watching, really do appreciate that! I think the 100m sprinter aspect does play into it, or at least the timing was notable. I would say John Smith has range. Remember, he coached Michael Cherry throughout 2021 and that was Cherry's best season ever. And though he worked with short sprinters, like Ta Lou, Maurice Greene, Ato Bolden, he also coached a bunch of 400m runners: Quincy Watts, Kevin Young, Steve Lewis, Danny Everrett. John Smith is one of the best all around sprint coaches in history. But We'll see, I think he should focus on the 400m for Paris next year as there seems to be a better opportunity for a medal there than in the 100m/200. Check the description for the interview at the end! Its from Athletics LLC
@@TheFinalLeg interesting, I was not aware of all those top quarter milers John Smith coached back in the days. Looks like he is in good hands either way. Hopefully he focusses on the 400m for Parris and not the 100m to be the world fastest man. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever event he chooses. Thanks again for all the information you provide to Track and Field fans. Keep up the hard work.
Coaching changes can be good for athletes and coaches. As a youth coach I know “one size does not fit all”, and it has to be the right fit. However, I don’t think shoe companies should “force” and athlete to make a coaching change and perhaps that is somewhat subjective. In Michael Normans situation it may just be time. I like what John Smith said…”I can’t coach everybody”, perhaps the college coaches should feel the same way. Love this piece, great balance reporting.
Was the coaching change apparently demanded by Nike also have anything to do with Norman wanting to make the move down to the short sprints & Nike determined that Smith not Watts would be better suited to make the move as successful as possible? In other words, if Norman was always going to remain in the 400m, would the move still have happened? From his POV, not only has he always been quicker than Kerley in the 200/400m, but running a 9.86 PB as a full-time quarter-miler (quicker than what Kerley ran before moving down) must have made the same move down to the 'more glamorous' short sprints by Kerley & Shericka make all the sense in the world to him. Question now is does he stick with the move down to the 100/200m with John Smith for next year's Olympics or go back to the 400m for Paris & Tokyo WC?!
It possible. It seems that Norman wanted to make the change first (that Bowerman thing was from fall 2019) and I think once the success came, Nike saw the opportunity to pounce on it. It also lined up with a few other things (I didn't want to get too conspiratorial in my video haha): Michael Cherry left John smith to train with Empire Athletics in Florida (Tamari Davis' group). Fred Kerley left Nike for Asics. So essentially 2 of their best 400m runners had made changes. So I think the timing of moving to the 100m after his 400m Gold just happened to line up with other things happening as well. I think this move would have happened regardless though. And yea, watching Kerley success so quickly I would guess was definitely motivation. IMO, Norman should focus on the 400m going into Paris and then try the 100/200 in the off year or for worlds in 2025. Even though Gardiner is only 27, I feel the 100m is just way to stacked. Like a healthy Norman I am confident will be on the 400m podium. But a health Norman can finish from 1st to 8th in a competitive 100m. And now the 200m is getting more stacked as well. At least this Olympics, get to the podium, then make a change again. But well see.
@@TheFinalLegSometimes ppl just have enough of the grueling training that running the 400m entails & looks like as far back as 2019, he was already thinking about moving away from it. Would be nice to get some clarification from him at the end of this season what his plans re Paris '24 & Tokyo '25 are going to be!
@@AllInTheGame01ill be in Budapest so will try and talk more indepth with him there on what he wants to do moving forward. But yea clarity would be good for sure
Seriously, Norman has a chance to be the first athlete under 43 seconds since Wayde van Niekerk learned the hard way you shouldn't play flag rugby. I once saw Michael Johnson do a short workout during a Nike commercial before the 1996 Olympics. Johnson ran 10 back to back 100m sprints in 10 seconds each with a brisk walk back to the start line as his only rest, but what race did he focus on 200m and 400m instead of 100m! Michael Johnson didn't care about a 4x100m relay leg either. Let Fred Kerley and all those 100m dudes who wouldn't run a 400m if you paid them have the 100m. Norman LEAVE the 100m ALONE! Go for the 400m World Record! Remember 100m & 400m man Xavier Carter? How his pro career turn out? A bunch of relay squad runners competed in the USATF 400m final that was won by a dude who Norman could have beat in high school. Left Quincy Watts because he's not about that 100m nonsense. Reminds me of Elaine Thompson-Herah leaving Stephen Francis over money. No more Olympic medals for her!
Athletes that left John smith group after a couple years Micheal Cherry English Gardner Jason Richardson Walter dix Crayvon gilspie Had amazing seasons for 1-3 years then got hurt. And left Really hope somebody didn’t get in mikes ears telling him he needed to move. Still wish him the best.
Walter Dix actually didn't join John Smith until after the 2011 season. So his career was really before Smith. And Gardiner was with Smith basically her entire major career, I think she left Smith in 2018 or 2019 and moved back to Jersey. Cherry had the best year of his career under Smith in 2021, and I think Richardson was with Smith during his 2011-2012 seasons. Now to be clear, your right many athletes do join coaches and things don't work out, but on the whole and historically, Smith has been one of the greatest in history. He coached Steve Lewis, Kevin Young and Quincy Watts to their Olympic gold's, and ofcourse Ato, Murice, Carmelita etc. I think the timing was off for Norman moving mid season, but will be interesting to see if in the next year or 2 things start looking back up for him. I do suspect there was pressure from sponsors
@@TheFinalLeg you just repeated what I’d said lmfao the last couple of athlete’s his worked with that i named had 1-3 years of success with him and left. Cherry had a great 2019-2020-2021 got hurt in 2022 Crayvon left after one year. Richardson left after 2013, to Lance brauman, Gardner did spend most of her career with him. I’m not saying he’s a bad coach. He’s one of the best. But the recent trend is athletes leaving after 1-3 years. And it’s not just one. It’s his last 5 to 6
Ok sorry I thought you were saying it as a negative on Smith. But then I guess what's it all mean? Richardson literally didn't do much after 2013, Cherry still dealing with injuries. Crayvon....? I guess point is, should these athletes have stayed longer with him? Other examples from the 90s: Quincy Watts and Kevin Young left Smith after 1993, Steve Lewis left after 1988 I think. But Maurice Greene and Ato spent Thier entire careers there.
@@TheFinalLeg Richardson was a pro since 2010ish he had a really bad knee injury and wasn’t the same, barley missing the Olympics 2016 i think he retired 2018-2019. Crayvon had a car accident and got into an argument. English destroyed her acl, I think the main point is where he trains. LA it’s not cheap cost of living and he uses ucla facility. A lot the guys aren’t from that area to begin with. All his atheltes went back to the east coast after leaving him. I literally live 20 minutes from English lol, see her all the time at Princeton trained by her dad. I think that’s That’s why Kevin young ato Quincy Steve Lewis stayed so long because they went to ucla originally or was close by. It’s hard uprooting your life another time zone from family. All the guys he trained in the past went through the ucla system.
Ok got you that makes sense. I guess to be fair, that's situational and occurs in almost any case where an athlete moves. I guess the positive for Norman is that he is not only from Cali, but he probably doesn't even have to m9ve his house, he just drives to UCLA instead of USC for practice. For the most part, there 3 main places top sprinters train - LA, Texas, Florida. Sure there are other smaller groups all around but I would say 75% of the time, expect to move to one of those states after college if your not already there. It is what it is 🤷🏾♂️
Are you sure Nike forced Michael Norman to John Smith, or maybe it was Nike coach John Smith behind the scenes begging Nike to encourage Michael Norman to leave Quincy Watts, so HSI could have total control over his career as coach and agent. Bob Kersee is a Nike coach, so no surprise Athing Mu and her boyfriend Brandon Miller run for Nike and him, but what about New Balance runner Sydney McClaughlin who chose him? Also, elite coaches can command 10% of their athletes shoe contract? HSI got Michael Norman a big Nike contract, which they gladly took their agent cut, but guess who got 10% of the entire shoe contract? USC then coach Caryl Smith Gilbert! It was in Michael Norman's contract and Nike paid her directly from his contract. John Smith getting that 10% now plus HSI agent's cut.
I really enjoyed your video, I was just wondering if you could clarify what a more professional setting means? I love track but I don’t really have much experience with high level coaching or racing
I agree 💯 percent with you!! But the coach changed should been thought 🤔 and prayed before making that change and should have waited --even though that he wanted and communicated with his support system.. but his decision would definitely determine what his result would be at Worlds and his decision cause an effect on his former teammates.. and transition can be tough mentally, physically, and spiritually.. and then I read that an athlete signed a sponsor in a shoe company and her running changed and not 🚭🚫 favorable... your podcast was factual and very informative with your insight and point of view: I agree.. but he is not 🚭🚫 ready of the reasons that you declared: transition of former coach to new coach who is cosmopolitan, setbacks, and pressure... and in his discipline, the best of the best would be executing and would Norman stepped up under pressure to even qualify at this point but I am going to be optimistic about the champ and I am going to expect the unexpected and that that he would be successful in his endeavor because he has a competitive contenders!!! Thank you for sharing!! It's appreciated 👍👍👍!!!
It is quite possible his body is beginning to breakdown and he may never be the same athlete able to get back that level of fitness. I also suspect that the sponsor had a hand in his decision.
Sounds like 👍 a good move on his part not to put "Coach Quincy" down at all, but when it's obvious it's time to make a change to grow out of whatever it is that has one in a stagnant situation, some- times change is what's needed, as for as going with "Big Bad John" hey 👋, he himself was a 👉 🌏 changer in that 440 yd quarter mile baby, so not only does he have much much experience he was a winner also so, & yes in my humble opinion the brother made a wise choice. Amen & Amen & Amen 🙏!!!
He made a stupid move....if you are injury prone when running the 400m.....it is more than likely if you run the shorter sprints you will be more susceptible to injury...which is what he is now facing.
Quincy Watt coach r u kidding me he won only 2 Olympic medals 400m & 1 relay then disappeared so what experience he can literally share I wish Michael Johnson should become a coach instead of just a TV commentator who can have more experience than him
He did leave after last year but that was after dealing with injuries in 2022. Don't forget he moved to John Smith I think in 2019 and had amazing seasons including double relay gold's in Doha, Relay gold in Tokyo and 4th place in the 400, Diamond League champion and ran I think the 2nd most 44 second runs in a single season. Or he might have broke the record, I forgot. He was no scrub under Smith.
Well take a look at Usain Bolt, his coach was there with him from the on set and under Glen Mills he became the fastest man in history. He never changed his coach. I think Norman made a mistake in changing his coach. He needs to look at his past. Under Watts, he did well.
The last zoom meeting question about "is it ruining the sport" is frankly stupid. Track and Field as a profession is easily the most tenuous of all sports aside from swimming. Shoe companies are the ONLY reason these athletes are able to be full-time athletes. The various "governing bodies" do more to limit and restrain track's wider exposure than they do to promote it, which is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. So if I as a shoe company wants to protect and promote my investment in these athletes it only makes sense that I would want my athlete with my coach. This has advantages and some notable disadvantages like Mary Cain and Nike, which is an entirely larger topic that is being discussed. But the logic of it for a shoe company makes perfect sense. An athlete should show consistent success to be with their own hand-picked coach, which many do. But to use the silly dialectical question "is it ruining the sport" is preposterous. WHAT exactly is it "doing" to the sport should be the first question. Then we can analyze the results and reach conclusions.
not analogous situationz, JW left cauz he didn't want 2 pay hiz coach what he wuz wurth & thot he'd b just az good under any1z guidance,... that foolish,myopic thot process cost him the world record,........
Michael Norman gotta train n participate year around coz when he comes to big competition he gets a panic, complex n lack of confidence on his face which chokes him in 400m n he loses
I do not think Norman will medal at this world championships. Because he has had a hard 2023 season. I personally think he should call it a day and build for the Olympics just like Athing Mu and Sydney are doing. It would be a hit to him mentally if he gets injured again or does not preform well. Just have patiences. Olympic gold medal and a world record you go down in history. World championships is not as memorable or as big!!
A. 00:21 Michael Norman did not only NOT make the USA Worlds team. He failed spectacularly at that by failing to even make the 100m semifinal. B. 01:11 He did not run sub-44 in 2022 multiple times. He ran sub-44 two times. Two times is not multiple times. C. 02:00 He was never any kind of threat in 100/200, and hoping he would just miraculously make the 100m team having three sub-10 runs in his career is most definitely very far-fetched. Running 9.8 once three years ago does not make you any kind of threat to nobody. Simbine has been running 9.8s consitently year in, year out and still does not have a single global medal to show for it. D. 06:18 We still do not know what actually happened to him and Shakima in Doha. Very odd. E. 12:46 Maybe Rai and Michael were a couple??? Maybe Michael is heart-broken? And to the young athletes reading this comment - changing coaches mid-way through the season is NEVER a good idea. Training takes time. It takes a while for training to bear fruit in competititon. If you want to change coaches, it is best to be done during the off time, before you start your winter training. Then at least you can have a full year of coaching from one person to make sure the training sets in and starts working. And even then, sometimes the first year under the new coach is not very successful and the body takes time to adapt to new methods and new loads.
Bro come on, you usually on point but you can't bash Norman like that. You went innnn! But along with the coaching change he has had injuries which is always tough to overcome. I could 2 as multiple. The only people in recent times to do that have been Norman, Gardiner, Wayde, Kirani and Merritt, after that we have to go back to Wariner then the guys in the 80/90s. Norman basically is like Lyles but just hasn't run many 100s and has been injured. Lyles only has a PB of 9.86 as well from back in 2019 (or 2018?) But Lyles has stayed healthy and has focused on the short sprints. So Norman IMO has be a threat in the sense of his potential. And look at the 100m right now, guys are mostly running 9.9, they not dropping 9.7s like they used to. But yea, like I noted, I suspect Norman may have wanted to stay with Watts but there was some pressure to make moves by sponsors. But who knows. Atleats he is moving now and can prep for Paris instead of moving in the fall of 2023 and have to still adjust before Olympic Trials.
@@TheFinalLeg I just think it is wild these guys just randomly decide to switch disciplines after one successful season. Where is the logic in that? I mean of course we have Fred Kerley and Sherika Jackson, but they perhaps switched as they weren't winning their original disciplines? Norman won a global gold in 2022. I see no reason for him to change. Especially in the US where there are so many talented sprinters across all disciplines. If he were from Lichtenstein, sure! But in the US this blows my mind. Espeially if this is somehow tied to his sponsor. As for my tone - I understand that exaggerating and dramatising one's material is how Youtibe videos work. I prefer realistic. Realistically I do not think anyone should have been expecting Norman to make the US 100m team with what he had shown us in recent years and this season. All his global accolades are so far limited to 400m in 2022.
@@Toetothunder Oh, more out of fun than anything. I mean, Rai's response to Michael leaving the group is pretty dramatic. Thinking of finishing his season early because his best buddy switched groups? That's a tad too much, don't you think? And in any case, we need a gay super couple in athletics!!!
Michael Norman is not a warrior... When he know the competition gonna be tof he always back up... This year Gardiner and van neeker are back into shape...
That’s an interesting assertion. Norman holds the indoor world record for the 400m, the collegiate record for the 400m outdoor, is a national and world champion in the 400m outdoor. Help me understand, where is this deep competitive drive that he supposedly is lacking?
@@whybluematters agreed, sure he has had setbacks, but there are few athletes on history who have a resume like he does. That's not overnight success or luck.
@@TheFinalLeg totally with you on this. Great points for sure. When he broke the indoor world record and secured the ncaa indoor championship, he was just coming off of injury. It was a big deal for him. I’m in full support of this change. I’m hoping this transition pushes Norman further and higher.
@@whybluematters huge difference between winning and winning throughout a protracted professional career. Not every fast runner makes a great professional athlete. Tell me his shoe company isn't worried. *a great athlete that is physically & mentally healthy with a hungry belly = Superstar professional athlete with a career! My formula for success❗
@@JeeGo-Aries-King can we agree that Norman has won? Let’s not forget that list of wins is inclusive of a Diamond League event. He’s a sprinter. That at times comes with injuries. He’s overcoming them. Let him transition and see where it goes.
No one else is doing this type of insightful and thoughtful analysis. Not Flo Track, Citius, or those twin guys. You’re serious, analytical and respectful. Appreciate you brotha.
He’s seriously one of the best track UA-camr and interviewers
Appreciate you bro! Really do!💯
Rae’s take also a former pro sprinter
He is
Yes! this coverage is much needed for Track
Thank you for you informative information and not using that garbage click bait tactic the others are using. Your now my information source for Track and Field.
Thanks for watching! Really appreciate it!
Great episode! Wow, that was a mouthful! I didn't realize that the shoe companies had that much say in the matter. It seems like moves were being made on behalf of the athletes not in full consideration of the athletes and their current situation.
As for Michael, he is still one of the greatest athletes of our generation! The talent is still there. He will bounce back and have an amazing career. The best is yet to come for him.
Thank you for another great episode!
Agree! Michael is a once in a generation talent and still has many many years to go!
But yea I'm sure shoe companies put things like these in their contracts with athletes, and because they are investing in certain coaches, they want to move certain athletes with them even if things are going well. It works for some, but others struggle with major changes. But As we said, Michael will be able to bounce back. Thanks for always watching!
I've followed Michael since he tried out for the Olympic team in the 200. The is immensely talented but seemingly has had a few setbacks that can happen to anyone. I hope the change brings him the success he deserves. I agree with the all the subscribers who recognize the insightful analysis we get from this channel. Thanks again for all you do in providing positive and respectful commentary of our sport.
One of the most objective and balanced analysts in athletics.
Really Appreciate that 💯
Today is the FIRST DAY this Brother right here has gained my RESPECT. Didn't know what to think of him at first but after watching him over and over. He has shown me that HIS CHANNEL MEANS BUSINESS. He don't just MAKE SHYT UP. He comes with facts and whatever he says is backed up by something. He not just blowing smoke up his a**
I saw a video of him at Oregon on ground zero at the national champs.
He is growing. I love how he put things on the screen and play clips back to SHOW PPL HE NOT JUST TALKING BULL SHYT.
I can't do nothing but RESPECT this brother here. I now feel more confident with listening to this brother.
My HOUSEOFJUDAH UA-cam channel and this one I subscribed to him on.
The Final LEG Channel. I can really see why he has so many subscribers. This guy has a future at getting bigger at this.
It may not make sense to us, but Michael Norman knows what he's doing.
Yea, though it was mid season and he's dealing with setbacks, Norman he proven that he can perform when healthy. You don't become world indoor record holder and world outdoor champion without being one of the best.
Really, like he knew what he was doing at the Tokyo Olympics? Did you see how when asked was he injured he pointed to and said "head" and then said he was just joking... he wasn't. USC help make him the runner he is today, and he left it all even devastating former training partner Raj Benjamin who obviously isn't bothered by the college environment.
You're coverage in this facet is eye-opening and well researched. In my opinion, she companies forcing athletes to specific coaching is malpractice. From high school to college, both athletes and coaches should make selections that project success (for themselves). Training partners also matter. Regarding Quincy Watts, he is a former athlete who transitioned from 100/200 to 400, so he is well informed in what it takes to have range. Friend and training partner in Rai. This is more personal, or he would never have switched mid- season. The Hurdle Mechanics group looks like it makes sense because of the similar disciplines of the athletes. Only if your progress hits a wall should you change up. I'm looking at Ajee Wilson from a far. She looks in need of a change, or she's going through one. You know how I feel. He should've stayed in the 400.
Really appreciate that!
Phew, malpractice is heavy! Though I understand your point for sure. I'm sure these sponsors figure ways to put it into the contract that they can move you to one of thier coaches if they see it in their interest or something. But I agree. If training under a college coach is working (Grant Holloway for example and all of Mike Holloways pro athletes in Florida) then why make a drastic change. if the athlete decides to leave thats different. And EXCELLENT point about training partners. The coach is one part of the equation, but the relationships and environment is just as important.
@@TheFinalLeg 😂 I'm a Language Arts teacher by trade, so I'm always invoking a word that fits how I feel from a "0-10" scale. Coaching track is so individualized, especially at the professional level. I coached aged group and high school for years, and I had the most success with the athletes that I had a relationship with. Knowing your athlete on a personal level allows you to meet their needs, athletically and emotionally. I have a bias toward the 400m, and I would love our best to be there. Norman and Kerley are athletes who can run between 43 consistently at championships. I don't see that guy right now.
Incredibly thoughtful and in depth video.
Super great video. I always look forward to your analysis. Changing coaches mid-season really interrupts the flow more than it seems on the surface. I think that Michael should have made the change between seasons, not only to maintain his season flow, but also out of consideration for the other athletes in his camp and Coach Watts. Regardless, I don't think what he did was a terrible thing, it just wasn't optimal in some regards. That being said, I don't expect an incredible showing in Budapest this year for Michael. Coach John Smith is one of the best and if anybody can bring Michael to the top, it's him. Considering that next year is Paris 2024, Michael Norman's mid-season coaching change seems like a great idea. During the remainder of the 2023 season he can go through any necessary adjustments to become familiar with Coach Smith's camp, so that when he starts to train for the 2024 season it will be as smooth as it can be. Professional athletics is a cutthroat and selfish business, therefore throwing away 2023 to have the best chance for an Olympic gold medal in 2024 is well worth it. It all depends what your priorities are.
Your breakdown and analysis was on point! Excellent point that with Paris Olympics next year, this change probably is helpful now for him to settle in and be ready to attack the Olmypic season. Yes 2023 will take a hit, but I'm sure Michael wants an Olympic Gold, or any individual OLY medal. Will be very interesting to see how things play out!
Great analysis, well thought out. I agree with what Norman insinuated at 7:29, great physical talent with a need for a sports psychologist. Changing coaches isn't an issue, changing coaches in the middle of the season? With regard to coaching all I would say is that a college coach has college coach obligations to which they are adding pro coach obligations. If the coach was an athletes college coach and the athlete has seen success no reason to change but if the athlete feels a change would lead to greater or more consistent success. As things stand he will be remembered for mimicking Kerley's career badly.
Carl Lewis never changed Houston and realtionship with his coach who coached university athlete. I know that coach JS is an unbelievable coach but he has his approach and many sprinters need something else. A coule of years ago I spoke to Shawn Crawford who switched from Boby Kersee to JS and he told me that it hadnt clicked with him and his training style and went back to Bobby. Same with Tyson Gay.. didnt work out either.
You’re correct. Coaches definitely need to take the time to learn their athletes and adapt their methods to fit each athlete. I think the error is in old school coaching who think every athlete should fit the same training methods to get the same results. Sounds valid but humanity doesn’t always align that way.
As a former 400m runner, you have to attack or setup the 3rd 100m. Norman has repeatedly said he falls asleep. Coach Watts wants you to go out hard. You have to face the pain of the last 75m. So he moves to the 100m and 200m but now back to 400m 😂.
I am a miler half miler my view on running the 4
You must be able to run 19.8 or below 200 and a sub 10 for the 100,first 100 in the race make up the stagger then floating without losing speed to arrive at the 300 in contention and then you do a van niekirk over the last 50 hopefully you are not burnt out from the semis.
@newtonpeart8573 I don't think any of the sub 44 second runner in the 400m has ever went out at sub 20 second for the first 200m.
Ironically John Smith coached Quincy in the 90s
Amazing detai, quality of the videos just keep getting better and better in production. Been following for a while and i love this channel. Keep it up
Really appreciate that man!
You’re becoming one of the very best. Congratulations and continue growing.
You can be a great athlete, but if you are lacking motivation at some point in your career a change(coach or environment) might be the solution. I also believe that Michael Norman can make a comeback. I wish him the best. What a great video!
Came back to this video again.
Thanks so much! You're honestly the best on YT.
Great real information.
Great video. Thank you for the info, I’ve been wondering what happened to him but haven’t had the time to do the research. So again, thank you!!
Absolutely, thanks for watching!
Great analysis. I think Norman needed to break from USC if he wanted to jump into the 100 and 200. John Smith is that dude for the new mission. From the outside it makes perfect sense that a college head coach wouldn't really be able to properly coach professional athletes. It's a different level mentally, emotionally and physically. Keni Harrison's results speak for themselves. She's never been this consistent. Norman to me is a more natural 100, 200 sprinter. The 400 always seemed like a struggle for him even though he's incredibly fast in it. I think the 100 and 200 are easier for his stride pattern and build. Hopefully he'll get similar results with Smith as Keni and Sydney are getting with their coach swtiches.
And I think that it can be tough staying with your college team because as you grow and become more independent, that transition could be tough for both coaches and athletes.
Interesting! I definitely see Norman as a 200m type, I feel the 100m hasn't come as naturally, but he ofcourse has that immense talent to be able to hit the 100-400 range. But to be fair to college coaches, Quincy Watts has made Normand and Benjamin successful while at USC. Look at Mike Holloway in Florida, he has always had a massive pro group and currently works with Grant Holloway, Marquis Dendy, Quincy Hall, Trevor Bassitt, Erriyon Knighton, Joe Fahnbulleh, Quanesha Burks, Donald Scott etc and they have all be successful in various ways under him. So I think it just depends on the coach and their ability to manage both pro and NCAA athletes with the right team.
But I agree, I hope Norman makes the transition smooth, recovers from injuries and gets back onto the podium. Thanks for watching!
No offense, this is one of the best videos I have ever seen. I believe Michael needs to go back with Quincy. It seems like everything is falling apart on him.
Wow I just stumbled on this page looking to see what happen with Michael Norman. This was great to find.
I know John Smith one if the greatest quatermiler,I trained with him at UCLA back in 1968 under the tutelage of Jim Bush.
Legendary Jim Bush! Man I'm jealous you got to have tht experience with them at UCLA back in the day!! So cool!
@@TheFinalLeg yes i was a half miler but we had to run some 300s with John and Wayne Colett in training.
@@TheFinalLeg I am trying to get in touch with John last time i saw him was munich 1972.
@@newtonpeart8573what workouts did he make you do
I still remember a session we had on a monday,
one of the hardest workout. He had us run a 400 i think around 51.5 then about 20 seconds later ran a second one we probably came back in about 53 seconds one of the hardest workout i can remember.
You, You-are-it, My Man. 'Ah class above! Thanks! (Mick's relationship with his Mother and the flowers to the young lady in the wheel chair, blesses me to know him as a well bred young man! I'm all in on him.)
Wow, super great video that everyone who follows the sprints has been wondering all year what's wrong with Michael Norman? Injury sounds like the most likely reason. Don't forget coaching changes usually comes with a change in the track facility that you train on. Some tracks are great training tracks while others are fast competition tracks. Often if you are used to training on one type of track for a while and then you change tracks that difference in surface hardness can have a significant negative affect on your body. Tendonitis doesn't surprise me.
I agree with you I have followed Norman since HS. Injuries have played a big part and he gets a little older. I think the 400 is still his best race but the 100 will help in his speed development. These are all great coaches but change is necessary to find the right coaching chemistry. If Norman can stay injury free he will be the best in the world.
Great coverage. I've seen this done with a few athletes and it's sadly ended their careers. When you get money involved running fast is not enough for the shoe companies. You have to be somewhere to sell their brand. The sport has improved in that athletes can now earn a living just by training and competing (compared to yesteryear when athletes had to maintain a day job to eat) but the consequence is that they have to go where the shoe company says they have to go. And frankly the shoe companies are not going to pay a full time professional coach to have just a few athletes, not only that but college coaches will come looking for a cut when that athlete shows success. Money makes it sticky and looks like in the short term Michael Norman got stuck.
It doesn't seem to me that the designation "professional environment" is any kind of pejorative against college coaches. Of course college courses are professionals. But they are coaching college teams. Another kind of coach--Kersee, Smith, etc--is coaching individual professional athletes, not a team of 30 or 40 college athletes. The shoe companies and their coaches are interested in providing the best environment, training, nutrition, and what we might call lifestyle to help professional athletes competing in Diamond League and world championship level meetings to be successful. It's a different job that is tuned to the needs of those athletes.
As others have said, I appreciate your analysis and presentation. You are giving us information as an expert and not as a fan like many of the other youtubers covering track and field are doing.
You make an excellent point, but I think sometimes we misinterpret a college/pro coach. The perfect example is Mike Holloway who has a full professional group: Grant Holloway, Erriyon Knighton, Joe Fahnbulleh, Trevor Bassitt, Quanesha Burks, Quincy Hall, Robert Dunning, Marquis Dendy, Donald Scott. He is able to have just as much if not more success coaching NCAA and Pro athletes together so its a bit demining to not look at him as a professional coach. And there's an aspect of being in an NCAA environment that has its benefits where you can get access to facilities and resources at the school that you otherwise may not be able to get. But it depends.
But I actually generally agree with you, The shoes companies are trying to create the best situation for their sponsored athletes, and sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. So everyone definitely different as an athlete.
I really appreciate you watching!
@@TheFinalLeg good point also about access to facilities. As a long time Boulder resident who used to use the track at Fairview High School on my own, I remember all too well the year not that long ago when conflicts between various users, including professional coaches, led the Boulder Valley school district to remove public access to all the local tracks. Now living in Sapporo, Japan, my only connection to the scene there is what I see in training videos, which seem to show that some coaches are using a track at a junior high school in north Boulder. But the gravy days of dozens of coaches using high school tracks for large numbers of professional athletes seem to be over. Of course the behavior of some of those professional coaches was part of--maybe most of--the problem. Not professional.
As an aside, I am frustrated that here in Sapporo, there are only four artificial surface tracks plus one dirt and one cinder track in a metro area of 2.6 million people. Two are at the Atsubetsu Stadium, which is a beautiful, world class facility completely closed to the public. It would be an excellent venue to host a World Championships. One of the remaining two is in a city park not far from my home but is also not open very often, has no parking, and when you can find it open, you have to pay to use it. The other is a full hour drive from me in Nopporo Forest Park and is tightly regulated and scheduled but at least is now free for me to use as a senior citizen. So Sapporo, while being the fifth largest city in Japan and site of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Marathon and a world class stadium, has very little track and field activity and virtually no professional athletes train here. I have to either drive an hour to Nopporo or a slightly shorter drive to use a free dirt track in Moerenuma Park north of the city that is not even flat. Also a cinder track at Hokkaido University that is in disrepair but is at least better than the Moerenuma dirt track. I know of one other track that I can't use that is also dirt, as are all the high school tracks also closed to the public. This last one is at the police training center so also totally off limits. Being from Boulder, this sucks for someone who loves to run on a track. Probably not interesting to anybody but sometimes I can't help myself. ;-)
Kersee used to coach college
He’s about to be the GOAT!!!!!
Very informative…thank you
great in-depth analysis! Subscribed.
Appreciate that!
Thanks for the break down!
I was wondering. Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video!!
This is very professional research and analysis of why athletes change coaches throughout their athletic careers in particular Micheal Norman. Like you said Norman has had a lot of success under coach Watts. Is the main reason he left Coach Watts for Coach John Smith is to become a legitimate 100m sprinter? As we all know John Smith is a 100m specialist. Most fans including, I would have like to see him focus this year on defending his 400m title at WC in a very competitive field. What is the link to that interview with this discussion?
Thanks for watching, really do appreciate that! I think the 100m sprinter aspect does play into it, or at least the timing was notable. I would say John Smith has range. Remember, he coached Michael Cherry throughout 2021 and that was Cherry's best season ever. And though he worked with short sprinters, like Ta Lou, Maurice Greene, Ato Bolden, he also coached a bunch of 400m runners: Quincy Watts, Kevin Young, Steve Lewis, Danny Everrett. John Smith is one of the best all around sprint coaches in history. But We'll see, I think he should focus on the 400m for Paris next year as there seems to be a better opportunity for a medal there than in the 100m/200.
Check the description for the interview at the end! Its from Athletics LLC
@@TheFinalLeg interesting, I was not aware of all those top quarter milers John Smith coached back in the days. Looks like he is in good hands either way. Hopefully he focusses on the 400m for Parris and not the 100m to be the world fastest man. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever event he chooses. Thanks again for all the information you provide to Track and Field fans. Keep up the hard work.
I wish Micharl Norman just to to KERSEE. Everyone that goes there improves exponentially!!!
Coaching changes can be good for athletes and coaches. As a youth coach I know “one size does not fit all”, and it has to be the right fit. However, I don’t think shoe companies should “force” and athlete to make a coaching change and perhaps that is somewhat subjective. In Michael Normans situation it may just be time. I like what John Smith said…”I can’t coach everybody”, perhaps the college coaches should feel the same way. Love this piece, great balance reporting.
SUBBED
Video needs an update. Very good video
Great video
Always appreciate it bro 💯
Sometimes you just need a change of pace
Was the coaching change apparently demanded by Nike also have anything to do with Norman wanting to make the move down to the short sprints & Nike determined that Smith not Watts would be better suited to make the move as successful as possible? In other words, if Norman was always going to remain in the 400m, would the move still have happened?
From his POV, not only has he always been quicker than Kerley in the 200/400m, but running a 9.86 PB as a full-time quarter-miler (quicker than what Kerley ran before moving down) must have made the same move down to the 'more glamorous' short sprints by Kerley & Shericka make all the sense in the world to him. Question now is does he stick with the move down to the 100/200m with John Smith for next year's Olympics or go back to the 400m for Paris & Tokyo WC?!
It possible. It seems that Norman wanted to make the change first (that Bowerman thing was from fall 2019) and I think once the success came, Nike saw the opportunity to pounce on it. It also lined up with a few other things (I didn't want to get too conspiratorial in my video haha): Michael Cherry left John smith to train with Empire Athletics in Florida (Tamari Davis' group). Fred Kerley left Nike for Asics. So essentially 2 of their best 400m runners had made changes.
So I think the timing of moving to the 100m after his 400m Gold just happened to line up with other things happening as well. I think this move would have happened regardless though.
And yea, watching Kerley success so quickly I would guess was definitely motivation. IMO, Norman should focus on the 400m going into Paris and then try the 100/200 in the off year or for worlds in 2025. Even though Gardiner is only 27, I feel the 100m is just way to stacked. Like a healthy Norman I am confident will be on the 400m podium. But a health Norman can finish from 1st to 8th in a competitive 100m. And now the 200m is getting more stacked as well. At least this Olympics, get to the podium, then make a change again. But well see.
@@TheFinalLegSometimes ppl just have enough of the grueling training that running the 400m entails & looks like as far back as 2019, he was already thinking about moving away from it. Would be nice to get some clarification from him at the end of this season what his plans re Paris '24 & Tokyo '25 are going to be!
@@AllInTheGame01ill be in Budapest so will try and talk more indepth with him there on what he wants to do moving forward. But yea clarity would be good for sure
@@TheFinalLeg 👍
Good report
Seriously, Norman has a chance to be the first athlete under 43 seconds since Wayde van Niekerk learned the hard way you shouldn't play flag rugby. I once saw Michael Johnson do a short workout during a Nike commercial before the 1996 Olympics. Johnson ran 10 back to back 100m sprints in 10 seconds each with a brisk walk back to the start line as his only rest, but what race did he focus on 200m and 400m instead of 100m! Michael Johnson didn't care about a 4x100m relay leg either. Let Fred Kerley and all those 100m dudes who wouldn't run a 400m if you paid them have the 100m. Norman LEAVE the 100m ALONE! Go for the 400m World Record! Remember 100m & 400m man Xavier Carter? How his pro career turn out? A bunch of relay squad runners competed in the USATF 400m final that was won by a dude who Norman could have beat in high school. Left Quincy Watts because he's not about that 100m nonsense. Reminds me of Elaine Thompson-Herah leaving Stephen Francis over money. No more Olympic medals for her!
Athletes that left John smith group after a couple years
Micheal Cherry
English Gardner
Jason Richardson
Walter dix
Crayvon gilspie
Had amazing seasons for 1-3 years then got hurt. And left
Really hope somebody didn’t get in mikes ears telling him he needed to move. Still wish him the best.
Walter Dix actually didn't join John Smith until after the 2011 season. So his career was really before Smith. And Gardiner was with Smith basically her entire major career, I think she left Smith in 2018 or 2019 and moved back to Jersey.
Cherry had the best year of his career under Smith in 2021, and I think Richardson was with Smith during his 2011-2012 seasons.
Now to be clear, your right many athletes do join coaches and things don't work out, but on the whole and historically, Smith has been one of the greatest in history. He coached Steve Lewis, Kevin Young and Quincy Watts to their Olympic gold's, and ofcourse Ato, Murice, Carmelita etc. I think the timing was off for Norman moving mid season, but will be interesting to see if in the next year or 2 things start looking back up for him. I do suspect there was pressure from sponsors
@@TheFinalLeg you just repeated what I’d said lmfao the last couple of athlete’s his worked with that i named had 1-3 years of success with him and left. Cherry had a great 2019-2020-2021 got hurt in 2022
Crayvon left after one year. Richardson left after 2013, to Lance brauman, Gardner did spend most of her career with him. I’m not saying he’s a bad coach. He’s one of the best. But the recent trend is athletes leaving after 1-3 years. And it’s not just one. It’s his last 5 to 6
Ok sorry I thought you were saying it as a negative on Smith. But then I guess what's it all mean? Richardson literally didn't do much after 2013, Cherry still dealing with injuries. Crayvon....? I guess point is, should these athletes have stayed longer with him?
Other examples from the 90s:
Quincy Watts and Kevin Young left Smith after 1993, Steve Lewis left after 1988 I think. But Maurice Greene and Ato spent Thier entire careers there.
@@TheFinalLeg Richardson was a pro since 2010ish he had a really bad knee injury and wasn’t the same, barley missing the Olympics 2016 i think he retired 2018-2019. Crayvon had a car accident and got into an argument. English destroyed her acl, I think the main point is where he trains. LA it’s not cheap cost of living and he uses ucla facility. A lot the guys aren’t from that area to begin with. All his atheltes went back to the east coast after leaving him. I literally live 20 minutes from English lol, see her all the time at Princeton trained by her dad. I think that’s That’s why Kevin young ato Quincy Steve Lewis stayed so long because they went to ucla originally or was close by. It’s hard uprooting your life another time zone from family. All the guys he trained in the past went through the ucla system.
Ok got you that makes sense. I guess to be fair, that's situational and occurs in almost any case where an athlete moves. I guess the positive for Norman is that he is not only from Cali, but he probably doesn't even have to m9ve his house, he just drives to UCLA instead of USC for practice.
For the most part, there 3 main places top sprinters train - LA, Texas, Florida. Sure there are other smaller groups all around but I would say 75% of the time, expect to move to one of those states after college if your not already there. It is what it is 🤷🏾♂️
ALL TIME 400 METER RUNNERS #1Sir Lee Evans and EVERYONE ON that 1968 Team 4x4 #2 Q. Watts #3 Merritt #4 J. Wariner # 5 M. Johnson # 6 Butch
Your list...but MJ at #5
You should shorten the title to “Why did Michael Norman change coaches?”
darn! u are pretty good at this haha
Appreciate that!
Are you sure Nike forced Michael Norman to John Smith, or maybe it was Nike coach John Smith behind the scenes begging Nike to encourage Michael Norman to leave Quincy Watts, so HSI could have total control over his career as coach and agent. Bob Kersee is a Nike coach, so no surprise Athing Mu and her boyfriend Brandon Miller run for Nike and him, but what about New Balance runner Sydney McClaughlin who chose him? Also, elite coaches can command 10% of their athletes shoe contract? HSI got Michael Norman a big Nike contract, which they gladly took their agent cut, but guess who got 10% of the entire shoe contract? USC then coach Caryl Smith Gilbert! It was in Michael Norman's contract and Nike paid her directly from his contract. John Smith getting that 10% now plus HSI agent's cut.
The 400meter race is already covered ..... ........by the Bahamian !
WVN....😂don't count him out.
I really enjoyed your video, I was just wondering if you could clarify what a more professional setting means? I love track but I don’t really have much experience with high level coaching or racing
I agree 💯 percent with you!! But the coach changed should been thought 🤔 and prayed before making that change and should have waited --even though that he wanted and communicated with his support system.. but his decision would definitely determine what his result would be at Worlds and his decision cause an effect on his former teammates.. and transition can be tough mentally, physically, and spiritually.. and then I read that an athlete signed a sponsor in a shoe company and her running changed and not 🚭🚫 favorable... your podcast was factual and very informative with your insight and point of view: I agree.. but he is not 🚭🚫 ready of the reasons that you declared: transition of former coach to new coach who is cosmopolitan, setbacks, and pressure... and in his discipline, the best of the best would be executing and would Norman stepped up under pressure to even qualify at this point but I am going to be optimistic about the champ and I am going to expect the unexpected and that that he would be successful in his endeavor because he has a competitive contenders!!! Thank you for sharing!! It's appreciated 👍👍👍!!!
More people should he going to Kersee for coaching.
It is quite possible his body is beginning to breakdown and he may never be the same athlete able to get back that level of fitness. I also suspect that the sponsor had a hand in his decision.
Sounds like 👍 a good move on his part not to put "Coach Quincy" down at all, but when it's obvious it's time to make a change to grow out of whatever it is that has one in a stagnant situation, some- times change is what's needed, as for as going with "Big Bad John" hey 👋, he himself was a 👉 🌏 changer in that 440 yd quarter mile baby, so not only does he have much much experience he was a winner also so, & yes in my humble opinion the brother made a wise choice. Amen & Amen & Amen 🙏!!!
Kerley made those changes very quickly. Norman's career is hard to figure out so far.
He made a stupid move....if you are injury prone when running the 400m.....it is more than likely if you run the shorter sprints you will be more susceptible to injury...which is what he is now facing.
ITS JOHN SMITH....he was watts coach when he won gold at the 92 olys
Quincy Watt coach r u kidding me he won only 2 Olympic medals 400m & 1 relay then disappeared so what experience he can literally share I wish Michael Johnson should become a coach instead of just a TV commentator who can have more experience than him
We have plenty of 100M and 200M talent; we need Michael for the 400M and 4 x 400M relay.
Didn't Michael Cherry leave John Smith and moved to Florida last year after not being able to do anything in the 400?
He did leave after last year but that was after dealing with injuries in 2022. Don't forget he moved to John Smith I think in 2019 and had amazing seasons including double relay gold's in Doha, Relay gold in Tokyo and 4th place in the 400, Diamond League champion and ran I think the 2nd most 44 second runs in a single season. Or he might have broke the record, I forgot. He was no scrub under Smith.
Well take a look at Usain Bolt, his coach was there with him from the on set and under Glen Mills he became the fastest man in history. He never changed his coach. I think Norman made a mistake in changing his coach. He needs to look at his past. Under Watts, he did well.
The last zoom meeting question about "is it ruining the sport" is frankly stupid. Track and Field as a profession is easily the most tenuous of all sports aside from swimming. Shoe companies are the ONLY reason these athletes are able to be full-time athletes. The various "governing bodies" do more to limit and restrain track's wider exposure than they do to promote it, which is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen.
So if I as a shoe company wants to protect and promote my investment in these athletes it only makes sense that I would want my athlete with my coach. This has advantages and some notable disadvantages like Mary Cain and Nike, which is an entirely larger topic that is being discussed. But the logic of it for a shoe company makes perfect sense. An athlete should show consistent success to be with their own hand-picked coach, which many do.
But to use the silly dialectical question "is it ruining the sport" is preposterous. WHAT exactly is it "doing" to the sport should be the first question. Then we can analyze the results and reach conclusions.
Why is Jeremy Wariner the first thing that comes to mind..Hopefully he'll return successfully.
not analogous situationz, JW left cauz he didn't want 2 pay hiz coach what he wuz wurth & thot he'd b just az good under any1z guidance,... that foolish,myopic thot process cost him the world record,........
Michael Norman gotta train n participate year around coz when he comes to big competition he gets a panic, complex n lack of confidence on his face which chokes him in 400m n he loses
Everyone is not f. Kerley. Also, money. Remember Jeremy Warner and Clyde hart. Then the shoe contract has coaches assigned.
I do not think Norman will medal at this world championships.
Because he has had a hard 2023 season.
I personally think he should call it a day and build for the Olympics just like Athing Mu and Sydney are doing.
It would be a hit to him mentally if he gets injured again or does not preform well.
Just have patiences.
Olympic gold medal and a world record you go down in history. World championships is not as memorable or as big!!
Mike was forced out
He overrate … he ain’t shit… winning one championship doesn’t meant you are great…. It meant he is lucky
He shouldn’t change coaches.
I like Michael Norman and Rai but they both have a lot of excuses when things don’t do their way
A. 00:21 Michael Norman did not only NOT make the USA Worlds team. He failed spectacularly at that by failing to even make the 100m semifinal.
B. 01:11 He did not run sub-44 in 2022 multiple times. He ran sub-44 two times. Two times is not multiple times.
C. 02:00 He was never any kind of threat in 100/200, and hoping he would just miraculously make the 100m team having three sub-10 runs in his career is most definitely very far-fetched. Running 9.8 once three years ago does not make you any kind of threat to nobody. Simbine has been running 9.8s consitently year in, year out and still does not have a single global medal to show for it.
D. 06:18 We still do not know what actually happened to him and Shakima in Doha. Very odd.
E. 12:46 Maybe Rai and Michael were a couple??? Maybe Michael is heart-broken?
And to the young athletes reading this comment - changing coaches mid-way through the season is NEVER a good idea. Training takes time. It takes a while for training to bear fruit in competititon. If you want to change coaches, it is best to be done during the off time, before you start your winter training. Then at least you can have a full year of coaching from one person to make sure the training sets in and starts working. And even then, sometimes the first year under the new coach is not very successful and the body takes time to adapt to new methods and new loads.
Bro come on, you usually on point but you can't bash Norman like that. You went innnn!
But along with the coaching change he has had injuries which is always tough to overcome.
I could 2 as multiple. The only people in recent times to do that have been Norman, Gardiner, Wayde, Kirani and Merritt, after that we have to go back to Wariner then the guys in the 80/90s.
Norman basically is like Lyles but just hasn't run many 100s and has been injured. Lyles only has a PB of 9.86 as well from back in 2019 (or 2018?) But Lyles has stayed healthy and has focused on the short sprints. So Norman IMO has be a threat in the sense of his potential. And look at the 100m right now, guys are mostly running 9.9, they not dropping 9.7s like they used to.
But yea, like I noted, I suspect Norman may have wanted to stay with Watts but there was some pressure to make moves by sponsors. But who knows. Atleats he is moving now and can prep for Paris instead of moving in the fall of 2023 and have to still adjust before Olympic Trials.
@@TheFinalLeg I just think it is wild these guys just randomly decide to switch disciplines after one successful season. Where is the logic in that? I mean of course we have Fred Kerley and Sherika Jackson, but they perhaps switched as they weren't winning their original disciplines? Norman won a global gold in 2022. I see no reason for him to change. Especially in the US where there are so many talented sprinters across all disciplines. If he were from Lichtenstein, sure! But in the US this blows my mind. Espeially if this is somehow tied to his sponsor.
As for my tone - I understand that exaggerating and dramatising one's material is how Youtibe videos work. I prefer realistic. Realistically I do not think anyone should have been expecting Norman to make the US 100m team with what he had shown us in recent years and this season. All his global accolades are so far limited to 400m in 2022.
No you aren’t trying to cut cut somebody down with wrong definitions. Multiple means more than one aka 2 or more
Rai and Michael a possible couple?What made you say that out of interest ?
@@Toetothunder Oh, more out of fun than anything. I mean, Rai's response to Michael leaving the group is pretty dramatic. Thinking of finishing his season early because his best buddy switched groups? That's a tad too much, don't you think? And in any case, we need a gay super couple in athletics!!!
Michael Norman is not a warrior... When he know the competition gonna be tof he always back up... This year Gardiner and van neeker are back into shape...
Norman makes nothing but excuses
He's the problem! Doesn't have a deep competitive drive... Probably
That’s an interesting assertion. Norman holds the indoor world record for the 400m, the collegiate record for the 400m outdoor, is a national and world champion in the 400m outdoor. Help me understand, where is this deep competitive drive that he supposedly is lacking?
@@whybluematters agreed, sure he has had setbacks, but there are few athletes on history who have a resume like he does. That's not overnight success or luck.
@@TheFinalLeg totally with you on this. Great points for sure. When he broke the indoor world record and secured the ncaa indoor championship, he was just coming off of injury. It was a big deal for him. I’m in full support of this change. I’m hoping this transition pushes Norman further and higher.
@@whybluematters huge difference between winning and winning throughout a protracted professional career. Not every fast runner makes a great professional athlete. Tell me his shoe company isn't worried. *a great athlete that is physically & mentally healthy with a hungry belly = Superstar professional athlete with a career! My formula for success❗
@@JeeGo-Aries-King can we agree that Norman has won? Let’s not forget that list of wins is inclusive of a Diamond League event. He’s a sprinter. That at times comes with injuries. He’s overcoming them. Let him transition and see where it goes.
When are you going to use some of Rae’s Take clips?
What do you mean?