Norris has regrouped following eighth-place finish in 5,000 meters at Olympic Trials two months ago to produce three consecutive personal-best efforts and become only ninth American female athlete to eclipse 4-minute barrier in 1,500

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

When Josette Norris endured her most disappointing result of the year June 21 with an eighth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials, she likely didn’t envision a path to return to competition at Hayward Field until next year.

Two months later, Norris is not only back in Eugene, Ore., but the Reebok Boston Track Club athlete is competing at an even higher level than she did entering the Trials, resulting in her first career Diamond League appearance in the women’s 1,500 meters Saturday at the 46th Prefontaine Classic.

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Norris has won all three races she has entered since the Trials, producing three lifetime-best performances in the 1,500, mile and 5,000, highlighted by becoming only the ninth American female competitor to eclipse the 4-minute barrier in the 1,500 by running 3:59.72 on July 18 at the Sound Running Sunset Tour at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo, Calif.

“It’s been a season of firsts for me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete in my first career Diamond League,” said Norris, who ranks No. 2 in the U.S. behind Olympic Trials champion Elle Purrier St. Pierre and 13th in the world this year in the 1,500.

“Racing on the Diamond League circuit seemed out of reach a year ago, so to see my hard work pay off with a spot on the starting line is something I am really proud of.”

Norris will be joined by fellow American Shannon Osika, who ranks No. 4 in the country and 18th in the world this year at 4:00.73, along with two-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, silver medalist Laura Muir of Scotland and Tokyo finalists Gabriela DeBues-Stafford of Canada, Winnie Nanyondo of Uganda and Australian standouts Linden Hall and Jessica Hull.

“Anytime you are given the opportunity to race Olympic medalists it is special and a chance to learn. The more I can race them, and other Olympic finalists, the better I will be with international racing,” Norris said. “The field is very impressive, but my strategy will be the same as it has been all year: compete.

“The race being in the U.S. is a big positive for me; keeping things comfortable and familiar while racing the best runners in the world is something I am looking forward to.”

Norris prevailed Aug. 6 at the Sir Walter Miler in 4:25.92 at Cardinal Gibbons High in Raleigh, N.C., and she and coach Chris Fox have focused her training on the 1,500 and mile for the remainder of the summer after achieving the 5,000 standard for the 2022 World Championships at Hayward Field by clocking 14:51.32 on July 25 at the Sound Running Sunset Tour event at Azusa Pacific University.

The performance was the fastest by any American competitor this year and ranks No. 20 in the world.

“With my 3:59 run, it opened more doors than I expected, mostly a chance to race in the Diamond League in Europe, so I don’t plan on racing any other 5k’s this summer,” Norris said. “I’ve been having a lot of fun with the 1,500/mile and want to see how I stack up in these competitive fields.”

Following a flight Sunday, Norris will achieve another career first Aug. 26 when she makes her racing debut in Europe with another 1,500 opportunity at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland.

She will have the chance Saturday to join Purrier St. Pierre by producing a pair of sub-4 efforts this year.

“I have never left the country before, so to be traveling to Switzerland as my first time is truly incredible,” Norris said. “Luckily there are a few days between the races, which will allow me to explore a little of the new countries. I’m so excited and already know I’ll be taking way too many pictures.”

If Norris can maintain the momentum she has continued to build since the Trials, she could potentially have an opportunity to join Shelby Houlihan (2018), Jenny Simpson (2014), Suzy Favor Hamilton (2002) and Mary Decker Slaney (1983) as the only American female athletes with at least three sub-4 performances in the same year.

“The back-to-back races will be a great introduction to the multiple rounds style of a championship race, such as the World Championships next summer in Eugene.”