Vernon Norwood wins a shot at national title

Vernon Norwood’s success on the track continued Saturday as the Morgan City High School alum qualified to represent the United States as a member of Team USA at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China.
Norwood qualified for the international competition after finishing third in the finals of the 400-meter run at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Saturday.
Norwood, 2015 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor champion in the event, clocked in at 44.8 in Saturday’s final.
David Verburg won the event in 44.63 and defending world champion LaShawn Merritt finished second in 44.66.
“Overall, I think I did pretty well,” Norwood said this morning. “I made my first world team coming out of college. … I went to win, but I got third so still made the team, so I’m pretty happy about that.”
Norwood, one of 34 competitors entered in the 400-meter run at the meet, qualified for Saturday’s finals after running 45.10 in Friday’s semifinals. The time was the fourth-fastest qualifying time for the finals and ranked second in his heat to Merritt, who clocked in at 44.78.
As for what he may have learned racing against Verburg and Merritt that he could use to narrow the gap or beat them in a possible rematch in Beijing, Norwood said he has to be more mentally and physically prepared.
Norwood is among four qualifying Americans that will be headed to Beijing in the event. In addition to Norwood, Verburg and Merritt, Bryshon Nellum, who finished fourth in Saturday’s finals at 45.18, also will advance.
Norwood also will compete in the 4x400-meter relay along with Merritt, Verburg and Nellum.
Earlier this month in Eugene, Norwood led the Tigers’ 4x400-meter relay to a national championship.
As for his schedule between now and August, Norwood said he would take some time to rest before resuming training next week.
He said he would be running in two meets overseas this summer before reporting to training camp in Japan on Aug. 10.
The world championships will be held Aug. 22-28 in Beijing.

This story was written by Geoff Stoute of The Daily Review staff. Reach him at 337-298-0976,