Track & Field

What are you most excited about going into the 2023 outdoor season?

Anticipation for 2023 Outdoor Season Brimming with High-Level Performances

I'm excited about just seeing everyone perform at a high level. I think the start of this indoor season, we off to a great start. We've seen a lot of great performances indoors already with American records, world records. So going into this outdoor season for 2023, I think it's gonna be really, really exciting, not just for myself, but for everyone else. And for us, even looking back at last year at World Championships in Eugene, we came away with a historical number of medals with everybody in the US. But one of the most things I'm excited about is trying to be consistent and also just trying to improve on a day to day basis and be at where I wanna be at for this year. Because this year, it could be some new faces always in the US on the US team. And that's always the goal to make the US team. But I'm just excited about my personal development, personal growth as an athlete and as a person on and off the track. So I'm always excited into the new year with new goals, new opportunities to meet people and just to run well and be healthy at the end of the year as well. So that's the one thing I'm most excited about. So last one. Yeah, hello there. I'm constantly looking forward to seeing you every year, Rugby World Cup

I'm excited for the start of this outdoor season and to continue my personal development as an athlete and a person. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, running well, and staying healthy throughout the year.

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I'm most excited about seeing everyone perform at a high level in the upcoming 2023 outdoor season. The start of this indoor season has already been impressive, with incredible performances, including American records and world records. Looking back at the historical number of medals we achieved at the World Championships in Eugene last year, it's motivating to strive for consistency and continuous improvement. There may be new faces on the US team this year, and my goal is always to make the team. Personally, I'm excited about my own development and growth as an athlete and individual both on and off the track. Each new year brings fresh goals, opportunities to meet new people, and the desire to perform well while maintaining good health. That's what I'm most excited about going into the 2023 outdoor season - my personal journey and the chance to run strong while staying healthy.

What’s the hardest part of a 400m race?

The Hardest Part of a 400m Race: Finishing Strong

I would say the hardest part of the 400, it would probably be the finish. Because as you see and you watch the race, a lot of us 400 meter runs, we get into a really good rhythm. Early on in the race, between 250 to 300, that's where the race really start to kick in at. And so a lot of the time, that usually what the hardest and most difficult part be at, and just trying to finish that part. Because a lot of us can get to 250, 300 about at the same pace, same speed. But it's about that last 100 meters to see who really have that grit and that gut to finish pretty at an efficient level. So I always think that the last part of the 400, the last 100 meters, last 120, last 110 is always the hardest part, just to try to finish at a very efficient rate.

The hardest part of a 400m race is the last 100-110 meters, as it takes a lot of grit and determination to finish with proper form and efficiency.

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The hardest part of a 400m race is typically the finish. During the race, runners often find a good rhythm and hit their stride between 250 to 300 meters. However, it is during the final 100 meters that the race becomes truly challenging. This is where runners need to dig deep and showcase their determination and grit to finish strong. While many athletes can maintain a similar pace up to 250 or 300 meters, it is the last portion of the race, around the last 100-120 meters, that separates those who can maintain an efficient level of performance. Therefore, I believe that the last stretch of the 400m race is usually the hardest part for runners.

What did you think of the immediate medals that were handed out at World Athletic Championships in Eugene?

World Athletic Championships break tradition with immediate medal recognition

That's a good question. In my opinion, I think it was a really cool idea for them to get the athletes, the medals right then and there to let them know that everything they accomplished this year, they was received in that moment. And it was pretty cool for them to not wait until they actually had to do the medal ceremony thing, but for them to receive it right then and there. I think it was pretty cool in my opinion. I think they should continue to do that going forward with the world championships.

I think it was a great idea for athletes to be given their medals at the Meadows right away, rather than waiting for a medal ceremony. I think this should continue in the future for world championships.

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I thought the immediate medals handed out at the World Athletic Championships in Eugene were a really cool idea. It was great to see the athletes receive their medals right away, acknowledging their achievements in that moment. Skipping the traditional medal ceremony and giving them their medals on the spot was pretty cool, in my opinion. I believe they should continue this practice for future world championships.

How did you feel after the New Balance Indoor Games?

After New Balance Indoor Games: Positive Momentum for Athlete

I felt pretty good. I think it was a really good indicator for myself to see where I was at physically early in the season for us with training and everything. It was a really good meet. And the new facility was pretty awesome. The officiating did a great job putting the meet together and everything. And we had a lot of great competitors that came through too. So we had a lot of talent to meet. And I think it was a pretty good meet. But I felt pretty good about it. I feel like I'm going into the right direction, heading into the 2023 season. So I felt pretty good. And hopefully I could just carry that momentum going throughout the rest of the year.

I felt good about my performance in the recent meet and am feeling confident about the upcoming 2023 season.

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After the New Balance Indoor Games, I felt pretty good. It served as a valuable assessment of my physical condition early in the season and provided insight into my training progress. The meet itself was well-organized, with an impressive new facility and excellent officiating. There were many talented competitors, making it a strong event. Overall, I had a positive experience and feel like I'm heading in the right direction for the upcoming 2023 season. I hope to maintain this momentum throughout the rest of the year.

Vernon Norwood answers your Track & Field questions. See all the advice Vernon Norwood has and get answers to your own Track & Field questions.

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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.