Track & Field

What do you like the most about running the 400?

The Thrill of Competing in the 400-Meter Race

What I like most about running the 400? Don't like it too much. No, I'm just kidding. But I like just to compete. I think that's the most thing I would say. I like to compete in the 400. But the 400 meters in the US, it's a lot of depth and a lot of guys who are really, really extremely great runners in the 400 meters. And for myself, just to be out there in that field, in that competitive spirit with those guys, that's one of the things I like the most. I just like to compete at the end of the day. And it's nothing that I don't dislike about it or anything. But probably just the feel of it. I don't know. It's kind of weird. I like to feel the lactic and the pain afterwards and stuff like that. But most importantly, I just like to compete and just go after it. And it's knowing that the work that I put in, that I'm going to see the results. Because the 400 meters nowadays, it's becoming like a real sprint. And guys are really attacking it. And it's really fun to be a part of. It's really fun to watch and see all those other guys running pretty well in it too as well. So I'm excited about it. And I just enjoy doing it.

I like to compete in the 400 meter race, as there is a lot of depth and great runners. It's fun to see all the other guys running well and to feel the lactic pain afterwards.

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What I like most about running the 400 meters is the opportunity to compete. The depth of talent in the US for this event is impressive, and being able to compete alongside those exceptional runners is a highlight for me. At the end of the day, I simply enjoy the competitive spirit of the sport. There's nothing that I particularly dislike about running the 400 meters. I appreciate the unique feeling it brings, such as experiencing lactic acid buildup and post-race soreness. Above all, I find satisfaction in knowing that my hard work will yield results. The 400 meters has evolved into a true sprinting event nowadays, with athletes pushing their limits. It's exciting to be part of and witness the success of other athletes in this discipline. Overall, I genuinely enjoy engaging in this event and embracing the thrill of competition.

Did you play any other sports in High School other than Track?

From High School Basketball Star to Track Athlete

Yes, I played all four of my years on the basketball team. I started all four years as well. A lot of people thought I was going to go to college and play college basketball, but that wasn't the route that I chose to go on and so forth. But I did play basketball all four years, and I still go to the gym here and there to put up some shots when I'm not really doing much. I'm not really playing pick-up games because I don't want to risk getting hurt or anything, but I just go in there just to shoot around and stuff like that. But that's the only sport that I did. I didn't do football. I didn't do baseball or anything. But yeah, just basketball.

I played basketball all four years of high school and started all four years. I still go to the gym to shoot around, but don't play any other sports.

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Yes, in addition to Track, I played basketball throughout all four years of high school. I even started on the team for each of those years. Many people thought I would continue playing basketball in college, but that wasn't the path I chose. However, I still enjoy going to the gym occasionally to shoot some hoops when I have free time. I don't participate in pick-up games to avoid the risk of getting injured. Instead, I simply shoot around for fun. Basketball was the only sport I participated in during high school. I didn't play football or baseball or engage in any other sports.

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Vernon Larnard Norwood is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 400 meters. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a multiple time NJCAA national champion for South Plains College and four-time NCAA national champion for LSU Tigers. At the 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Norwood finished 3rd to secure a spot for the US at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics for the 400 meters and 4x400 relay. At the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships, he won Gold in the 4x400 meters.