“I didn’t know it was going to be as heavy,” Quincy Wilson said about his first Olympic gold medal during an interview with NBC Sports. The weight of the medal symbolized more than just victory for the then 16-year-old track and field prodigy—it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that has made him a cynosure of the sports world.

In the year since that milestone, Quincy has continued to shine, achieving feats that defy expectations. Most notably, he shattered a world record that had stood unbroken for 42 years, solidifying his place as one of the brightest stars in track and field. A stellar student with an ‘A’ grade at Bullis school, Wilson was recently named in the 2024 #EBONYPower100 Generation. His potential was widely recognized, including by legendary Fred Newhouse, who before his passing at 76, drew a fascinating comparison with another track star. Let’s see what Newhouse had to say!

Fred Newhouse saw his phenomenal roommate in Quincy Wilson

On January 20, Fred Newhouse left all his earthly bounds. Before his death, the Olympic gold medalist shared insights about Quincy Wilson in a Redcircle interview. “I’ve only seen him run three times, but he is just a phenomenal talent,” Newhouse said about Wilson. Drawing a parallel to Texas track history, he added, “I can’t think there was one talent like him that we’ve seen in Texas in the last 50 years, and that was Johnny Lamb Jones, who made the 76th Olympic team. He was one of my roommates,” recalled the author of “What It Means To Be A Longhorn.”

Newhouse was the most valuable football player in 1978-79, renowned for his eight touchdowns of 45 yards or more in Burnt Orange. A multi-talented athlete, he competed on tracks for the Texas Longhorns and made the US Olympic track team, winning a gold medal. During his Texas days, his roommate Johnny Lamb Jones stood out as both a football star and an Olympic gold medal sprinter, embodying the exceptional athletic tradition of the era.

The duo were like two peas in a Texas pod, bound by their shared passion for speed. ‘Lamb’ later dazzled in the NFL as well. Drawing comparisons between Jones and rising star Quincy Wilson, Fred remarked, “Johnny was straight out of high school—absolutely fantastic. Like Quincy, Johnny could run like the wind. I once saw him clock 19 seconds in the 200 during practice. It was unbelievable, just unreal. Johnny went on to achieve great success in the Olympic Games, and I believe this kid has the potential to do the same.”

The duo spent their days as two peas in the Texas pod. The Texas sprinter, Johnny Lamb Jones became a phenomenon in the NFL too. Drawing the comparison of Johnny Lambs with Quincy Wilson, Fred said, “He was right out of high school. Fantastic. And like this kid, Johnny just ran like the wind. I mean, it was, I saw him run 19 seconds in the 200 in practice. Wow. And it was, I mean, unbelievable, unbelievable. And I’m not going to say that there was, and Johnny was very successful in the Olympic games. I think this kid will be also.”   

The future looks bright for Wilson, with many strides still ahead. Already a member of the Olympic relay team, Quincy has claimed his first gold medal as part of the national squad. However, as his fame continues to rise, he must remain grounded and humble. The passing of Fred Newhouse, another track and field legend, leaves a void in the sport. As we celebrate Quincy’s achievements and potential, we are also reminded of the immense legacy left by icons like Newhouse, whose impact will forever inspire generations to come.

Another heartbreaking loss for the Track and Field community

On Monday, January 20th, the track and field community mourned the loss of another star. Jesse Stuart, the accomplished shot putter from the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, passed away, leaving the entire WKU alumni network in shock and sorrow. WKU’s head coach, Brent Chumbley, reflected on Stuart’s legacy and added that many aspired to be like the departed soul. He was the state’s record holder, a National Champion, and a true inspiration.

Stuart’s impact on the community is deeply felt, with the WKU office treasuring an autographed photo of him as a symbol of his greatness. News of his passing spread quickly, uniting those who admired and loved him. Such losses have undeniably left a void in the world of track and field. Yet, the track remembers every stride—every triumph and every challenge.

While some athletes may have crossed their final finish line, their legacies live on, resonating in the footsteps of rising stars like Quincy Wilson, who now take their place at the starting line, carrying forward the spirit of the sport.