There are A-lists, B-lists, and all other lists on the Ulmer scale that show the social status of celebrities. Conversely, you don’t need stars for the Hollywood Walk of Fame to be on the ink list. You need grit, grace, success, social impact, or admirable traits people are talking about. But most of all, you need a tattoo. You know you know them, but how do you know them? Here’s a list of inks.
With a relaxed focus, Vernon Norwood may get the impression that he is quiet and modest, but the Olympic gold medalist claims that anyone who knows him, like his track and field team, proves his big character. And under this dynamic sprinter jersey is a story of homeland’s pride, faith and duty.
The Louisiana native is humbled by his success, but still confident in carrying weight when needed. His dedication to his family is boldly symbolized, wearing a tattoo of the same name on his back.
“As a single mother, raised up with (my five brothers) and my mother, we were isolated through Hurricane Katrina through my brother’s incarceration throughout some of our years. So, in many cases, I felt like I was alone, and I had to carry a lot of weight on my name and my shoulders for my family and myself,” he said of the placement and importance of his tattoos. “Also, having something motivated and always having that tip on my shoulder, I grew up to carry weight… and I felt it was really weighing on it.
To explain, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina built up strength before landing in New Orleans. Norwood’s mother made the difficult decision to uproot her family and plant it in a safer place: Morgan City, Louisiana, about 85 miles away. “I have never seen Mama in any kind of stress or panic. She never showed such weakness.” Her disappointment was clear – the hurricane was more serious than he had imagined.
Not only did he evacuate Katrina’s immeasurable destruction, but because Norwood discovered the gift of speed on a high school truck, and the university began to take notice.
Killing gold in the aftermath of Katrina
“(After high school), I didn’t plan on going to college, so I didn’t do that, there was nothing like that,” he said. But with luck, his plans changed. Norwood headed to Levelland, Texas, where he continued his education, honing his craft at South Plaines College, where he set records on the track, attracting the attention of Louisiana State recruiters.
“Do you know that your mom will give you your smile when she is proud of you? It’s a feeling that you can’t even imagine,” he shared. “So, most of the time, it was my addiction to me who wanted to continue playing this sport. It wasn’t the tears of joy, tears of pain you know, but definitely the feeling of ‘man, I can’t stop doing this kind of thing.’ ”
As a member of LSU’s 2015 track and field team, Norwood became the NCAA champion
He secured the NCAA 4x400m indoor and outdoor relays with a 400m dash to win the title. Ranked eighth on the NCAA top 10 list, Norwood set his sights on the World Championships, bringing home five gold medals, one silver, one bronze, Olympic Games, and two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal.
Norwood’s recent Olympic gold medal is a testament to his speed. Many were tailored to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games 4×400 Men’s Relais Norwood closed the gap in the second round to win gold to teammates Bryce Deadmon and Rye Benjamin and give the boost they needed to set a new Olympic record.
“I had gained a lot of recognition and flowers,” he said of his reaction to his performance. “People say, ‘Man, we know you’ve been doing this for years, but it’s so nice to see you get the recognition and flowers you deserve.”
Surprisingly, Norwood’s consistency and success were not much recognized by the public until the 2024 Olympic Games, so those familiar with his previous achievements celebrated his time in the spotlight. “I’m going to do my thing regardless. People see it, they see it, or they won’t,” he said. But it’s just hidden by (other) talent. ”
Through the challenging times of his past, the 32-year-old has many flavors today. “I’m going to graduate? I can’t do anything to get a university degree,” he shared. “I’m the first person in my family to graduate. That’s not the right thing to brag about. It’s like a generation… I feel like I’ve broken that curse and that cycle for my family.”
Norwood didn’t expect to experience it from competition, travel, meeting people, helping others and being proud of his mother. “Ten years later, looking back at it now, I’m very grateful to go to school in general as I went to LSU and my efforts led us to have this conversation.”
