Jacory Patterson, Chris Bailey, and Khaleb McRae have secured their spots to represent Team USA in the 400m relay at the World Championships in Tokyo next month. However, one spot remains open, a wildcard entry that will be decided at the Diamond League finale. This isn’t for the individual event but for overall relay eligibility, which is why Vernon Norwood’s name keeps coming up. With Patterson clinching victory at the Brussels Diamond League, Norwood’s chances of making the roster just got a lot stronger.

After winning the 400m by an enormous margin, running 44.05 to gap the field by over half a second, as Vernon Norwood finished second in 44.62, Patterson cemented his status as the next big thing in the sport. However, when asked whether Norwood would make the cut, he stated, “I’m trying to… I was talking to Vernon when we first got here. I was like, “It’s got to be me, me, or you, and Zerg.” He just started laughing. But yeah, I want to run the OG of the track game. So, man, I’m trying to—I really want Vernonto get the word.”

When asked about why he pays a lot of respect to the veteran athlete, he added, “I feel like, yeah, he really was holding it down like a big brother for sure.” Despite being a frontrunner, Norwood has yet to be a member of Team USA for the relay competition, but this could change at the Zurich Diamond League finale. Now, many of you might question, how? Since the event only allows three people to be on the team.

With the conclusion of the Brussels meet, the suspense is back in play, and all eyes are now on Zurich to see whether Norwood will make the cut. While Norwood may have to wait a little longer for his breakthrough, there’s no denying that Patterson is firmly establishing himself as the next big thing in the sport; however, his story is equally sad.

Jacory Patterson used to work the overnight shift loading trucks at UPS

Just a year ago, Jacory Patterson was grinding through overnight shifts at UPS, loading trucks to fund his track-and-field dream. Nights were for heavy lifting, days for relentless training. That grind paid off when he stunned the field at the Grand Slam Track event in Miami, a breakout win that opened doors to Diamond League invitations and secured him a Nike sponsorship.

Talking to the media, the young athlete added, “If everything in life were easy, everybody would be at the top.But everybody’s not at the top. We’ve just got to understand everything won’t be smooth, green grass. There’s going to be some hills and some bumps and some potholes.”

Patterson’s life was not easy, but the strength of his mind helped him secure the best for himself. Balancing work and training while trying to manage short naps in between was a challenge, but in the end, he achieved everything he needed. Now, with his eyes set on the 2025 World Championship, he is ready to script the next chapter of his life.