The Paris 2024 Olympics were full of unforgettable moments, and one of the most exciting stories was about Quincy Wilson, this 17-year-old kid who’s seriously breaking barriers. He managed to smash the under-18 world record in the 400m twice. Yes, twice, in just three days at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. His second record-breaking run in the semis clocked in at 44.59 seconds, beating a 1982 record held by Darrell Robinson. That’s huge. And just when you think it can’t get better, he helped Team USA grab the gold. But how?

But last year, in 2024, when he was only 16 years old, Quincy Wilson became the youngest ever male track and field athlete to be selected for Team US. He did not make it to the finals of the 4 x 400 m relay. But he contributed towards the team clinching the victory. And hence became the holder of the record as the youngest Olympic gold medalist in track and field.

Just think of it, being that young and having already won a gold medal! Quincy is a student at Bullis School near Washington, D.C., but his talent is unquestionable. For the 2028 Olympics in LA, he will be 20. And at that age, he will be in his prime to challenge the world. He might even become the next big thing in track and field. A symbol of Team USA alongside Lyles, Richardson, and other legends of the game.

Before racing another race in 2025, he gave his rivals a clear message. “Everybody is going to come out here and give me their best race,” he said. “Right now, I’m the top dog, and they’re going to try to take down the top dog. Who wouldn’t want to? You wouldn’t be in this sport if you didn’t. People think you can just chill, but when you’re at the top, it’s hard.” Even after all that, in his first-ever race in 2025, it was evident that Quincy had a desire that he didn’t want to be left behind.

Quincy Wilson’s tough break at VA showcase 2025

Quincy Wilson’s first race of 2025 at the VA Showcase 2025 was not as he expected. He had one mission in mind: Break records again! But which one? U.S. high school national record in 500 meters. He was extremely close to breaking that last year, finishing just 0.02 seconds behind the record. But now that she was again about to break as the race progressed, things disintegrated for him. 

Contrary to expectations of Wilson finishing the race with a new school and national record, instead Andrew Salvodon from Bayside High School grabbed all the attention. Salvodon surged past Wilson in the final stretch and finished in an impressive 1:00.49, which was well below the previous record set by Bottas by almost a full second. Wilson, who was right there with him, clocked in at 1:02.49, and this means he has managed to score below the targeted value. Even though his PB in 500m is 1:01.27. But..!

Even after that loss, Wilson did not show any signs of sadness. After all, in any competitive sport, one cannot always finish the race and come out as a winner. He had expected that the race was going to be difficult right from the beginning, and with young talents like Salvodon out there, it was even going to get much harder. “It’s been a long season, so I’m just trying to better myself here for the national record. That’s the spot,” Wilson had once stated before the start of the race. Even though he did not reach that peak, he knows it is alright to be off once in a while, and this is part of the training.  Indeed, it was just another warmup race for Quincy, and there are many more races ahead.