In 2023, Michael Norman faced a series of setbacks including tendonitis and made a coaching change from John Smith to Quincy Watts. Despite these challenges, he clocked an impressive 44.21 seconds in the 400m event this past season, making him the second-fastest in the world so far this year. However, after his struggles in the 100m at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships last July where he was eliminated in the first round by finishing eighth in his heat, Norman decided to step away from competition and focus on preparing for the 2024 Olympic year. He chose not to defend his spot in the 400m at the world championships that year but held onto his position as the fastest 400m runner in the current Olympic cycle with a 43.56 and a 43.60, both achieved in 2022.