The Oslo Diamond League was supposed to be the US track stars’ big moment. This American sprinter, a seasoned pro known for his lightning speed, was the clear favorite in the men’s 200m. Everyone expected him to dominate. Right there with him was Kyree King, another Team USA standout, ready to make his mark with his explosive starts. The stage was perfectly set for a red, white, and blue victory in Norway. Both athletes had been in incredible form, and with Vernon Norwood’s experience plus King’s raw power, they looked unstoppable.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the runners got ready, and the tension you could practically taste. Could Norwood and King deliver that one-two punch Team USA was hoping for? But then, the race unfolded in a truly stunning way. Cuba’s Reynier Mena, a rising star, shot out of the blocks and never looked back, leading the men’s 200m from beginning to end.

He blazed across the finish line in a swift 20.20 seconds, grabbing the win and leaving everyone else scrambling. Switzerland’s European Champion, Timothé Mumenthaler, put up a valiant chase, snagging second with a personal best of 20.28s. Canada’s Olympic medalist, Andre de Grasse, took third in 20.33s. For Team USA, it was a real gut punch—Norwood ended up a distant seventh, and King trailed in eighth. 

The disappointment was obvious; the American duo, who everyone expected to shine, were left in the dust. How could such a promising setup fall apart so quickly? This setback stings for Team USA fans, who saw this as an opportunity for Norwood and King to prove their dominance. Mena’s unexpected win from start to finish showed some weak spots, raising questions about how they prepared and strategized.

“I came into the race very confident and injury-free, so I was feeling good and felt I could get the win. I did think it might be a faster race, but I will certainly take the win and build on it,” Mena told reporters after the race. Boosting with confidence, he added, “My aim for the season is to stay injury-free, as last year I lost a lot of time with injuries. If I can do that, I think I will have a successful season.”

As the Diamond League season continues, everyone will be watching to see how these veterans respond. Can they transform this bitter moment into fuel for redemption? Meanwhile, Norwood had a comparatively lackluster season so far.

Vernon Norwood’s season 2025 woes only deepen

Vernon Norwood, that seasoned sprinter for Team USA, is having a tough 2025 season. The 33-year-old, famous for always coming through in those nail-biting relay races, has hit a surprising rough patch in both the Grand Slam Track and Diamond League events, leaving fans scratching their heads. In GST’s inaugural slam at Kingston, he secured 3rd and 4th positions in 400m and 200m sprints, respectively.

In the DL’s Shanghai leg, Norwood struggled, finishing a disappointing  400 m4th–44.93 s. But then in the Rome DL, he slipped to fifth (44.86s)—a far cry from his glory days at the Olympics. The once-reliable Norwood, who famously anchored Team USA to gold in Paris 2024, is now facing uncomfortable questions about his current form. What on earth is behind this uncharacteristic slump?

After the race in Rome, Norwood was refreshingly honest about how much his struggles are affecting him. “I did the best I could. It’s been a rough, rough month for me, so I had to take some time off. But I’m slowly getting back into the groove and, hopefully, will be ready to go when it’s time for trials,” he said, his voice hinting at a quiet determination.

His admission about needing a break suggests he might be dealing with some serious physical or mental fatigue, which is a rare sight for the tough Louisiana native. His season-best of 44.68s in Oslo just doesn’t compare to his personal best of 44.10s from 2024, really highlighting the challenge he’s facing. Can Norwood possibly find his rhythm again?

With trials just around the corner, Norwood’s famous resilience is about to be put to the ultimate test. His incredible career—four Olympic medals, six World Championship medals—proves he knows a thing or two about bouncing back from tough times. Fans are eagerly waiting for a comeback, truly hoping that the disappointment in Rome will ignite a powerful resurgence. Will this veteran rise to the occasion once more?