Sophomores Norman, Bloomfield are world's seventh- and eighth-fastest all-time indoor performers

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Although their performances might have been overshadowed at the meet by USC's potential world indoor record in the men's 4x400 relay Saturday, sophomores Michael Norman and Akeem Bloomfield produced one of the great 400-meter showdowns in collegiate history Friday at Clemson's Tiger Paw Invitational.

USC's Norman clocked 45.00 seconds to edge Auburn's Bloomfield in 45.02, the latter mark eclipsing the Jamaican indoor national record. Former LSU star Pete Coley set the record by running 45.37 at the 2002 SEC Championships.

Norman elevated to the No. 5 collegiate performer in history, with Bloomfield improving to No. 6. Norman is the fourth-fastest American all-time indoors and the No. 7 performer in the world, with Bloomfield at No. 8.

Only former Texas A&M star Bralon Taplin, representing Grenada, has run faster in the world this year at 44.88, making him the No. 5 all-time performer.

Norman, who also contributed to USC running a collegiate indoor best and possible world record 3:01.98 in the 4x400 pending IAAF ratification, boasts a faster outdoor 400 PR as well over Bloomfield by a 44.60 to 44.74 margin.

Their next showdown is expected at the NCAA Division 1 indoor championships March 9-10 in College Station, Texas.