Norman will not defend World Championship title in Budapest

Reuters

Norman celebrates after winning the men's 400 metres final in EugeneReuters

Michael Norman will not defend his 400-metre World Championship title in Budapest, the American said on Tuesday days before the global showcase is set to start, deciding to focus instead on his 2024 Olympic campaign.

Norman produced a memorable performance to triumph in Eugene last year after a succession of career disappointments, including a shock fifth-place finish in the Tokyo Olympic final.

"Unfortunately I will not be defending my title at the 2023 World champs," Norman said in an Instagram post.

"After an extremely frustrating season, I’ve decided to step away from track for the remainder of the 2023 season in order to refocus for the 2024 Paris Olympics."

Norman had scarcely competed this year and withdrew from the LA Grand Prix in May after finishing eighth in the 200m at the Doha Diamond League meet.

The announcement further dented American hopes to top the medal table again following a dominant 2022, after Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone pulled out citing a minor knee issue.

McLaughlin-Levrone, who broke her own world record to win the 400m hurdles last year, had been expected to compete in the flat event.

Mentions

AthleticsWorld Championships

'I don't really like it': Kane slams England teammates over withdrawals

Littler progresses as Van Gerwen and Smith exit Grand Slam of Darts

De Decker keeping grounded ahead of Littler test at Grand Slam of Darts

Four Premier League rivals 'seek compensation' if Man City found guilty

Norman will not defend World Championship title in Budapest

Gymnast Simone Biles to compete at US Classic after two-year hiatus

Alberta withdraws 2030 bid in blow for Commonwealth Games

Somalia suspend athletics chair after runner takes 21 seconds to finish 100m

IOC presidential hopeful Coe says organisation needs clear stance on gender

Olympian Kiplagat's killers jailed for 35 years by Kenyan court

Olympic champion Lyles fails to make cut for men's world track athlete of year

Sydney Marathon becomes seventh race in world 'major' series

Nageeye wins men's New York Marathon as Kenyans sweep women's podium

Kenya court finds two guilty of Olympian Kiplagat's murder

GB shot put great and former World's Strongest Man Geoff Capes dies aged 75

British and Mexican athletes die at triathlon World Championships

Kenya's Chepngetich breaks women's world record at Chicago Marathon

Korir wins men's Chicago Marathon title after running personal best time

'I don't really like it': Kane slams England teammates over withdrawals

Littler progresses as Van Gerwen and Smith exit Grand Slam of Darts

De Decker keeping grounded ahead of Littler test at Grand Slam of Darts

Four Premier League rivals 'seek compensation' if Man City found guilty

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…