Track and field fans around the world are rallying around Vernon L. Norwood after a mysterious and emotional social media post from the American sprinter stirred concern.
On May 21, 2025, Norwood tweeted a cryptic message that contained no words, just three emojis:
” 💔🙏🏿😔.”
The simple yet heavy post left followers wondering what might be unfolding behind the scenes.
The tweet comes during what has been a mixed 2025 season for Vernon, marked by moments of brilliance and a few near-misses. At the NB Grand Prix in Boston, he secured a hard-fought second-place finish in the men’s 300m final, coming in just behind rising star Matthew Boling.
Earlier this month, Norwood clocked a strong 44.93 seconds in the men’s 400m at the Shanghai Diamond League, finishing fourth in a loaded field. American Christopher Bailey took the win, followed closely by Bayapo Ndori of Botswana and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi. Despite narrowly missing a podium finish, Norwood held his own, notably outpacing respected names like Kirani James and Quincy Hall.
His momentum carried into the GST Meet, where he placed third in the 400m and later braved a tough headwind of -3.3 m/s to finish fourth in the men’s 200m final with a time of 20.92 seconds.
Fans and Fellow Athletes Rally with Support
The track community wasted no time in responding to Norwood’s tweet, flooding the comments with messages of love, strength, and prayer.
“Chin up to the sky, she’s going to love everything you do in her honor! You and your family will get through this!,” One fan wrote.
“Praying everything is ok 🙏🏽”, another fan added.
Even fellow elite athletes took a moment to check in. Sprinter Fred Kerley, who was recently involved in a lighthearted online debate with Norwood about who’s faster, put rivalries aside to comment:
“I got you bro 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾”.
Olympic medalist Rai Benjamin also chimed in with a simple but powerful.
“My Brother”.
The outpouring of support paints a picture of deep respect and brotherhood within the track and field world, as fans and competitors alike rally behind Norwood.
What’s Next for Norwood?
As of now, no further details have emerged about the reason behind Norwood’s emotional post. While speculation ranges from a personal tragedy to mental health struggles or professional frustrations, nothing has been confirmed.
What is clear, however, is that Vernon, who knows all too well the sting of setbacks, having suffered a devastating injury during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, is surrounded by a community ready to lift him up.
Regardless of what lies ahead, the fans and the global track and field family are hoping for Norwood’s peace, healing, and a swift return to the track where he continues to inspire.
