“I’m Half His Age”: Quincy Wilson On Toughest Part Of US Olympic Trials 2024

Age is often seen as both a benchmark of experience and a barrier to youth in the athletic realm. Yet, 16-year-old Quincy Wilson is rewriting the narrative with every stride he takes. After making it to the semis clocking 44.66 in the 400-meter heat and breaking a 42-year-long standing world record, Wilson has created headlines yet again. Wilson has not only shattered records but has done so with stunning frequency, leaving seasoned veterans in awe and his competitors chasing shadows.

Wilson has blazed through the men’s 400-meter semifinals, breaking the U18 world record. And it’s not once, but twice in just three days. His latest feat, a jaw-dropping 44.59-second sprint, has propelled him into the final, marking yet another milestone in his meteoric rise.

Reflecting on his extraordinary achievement, Wilson spoke passionately about the significance of his hard work and the guidance of his coaches. While his words underscored a maturity beyond his years, he also reflected in his age-defying performance against seasoned competitors like 32-year-old Vernon Norwood.

Sharing his thoughts after the sprint, Wilson said, “42 years of nobody being able to break that record. I broke it twice in two days. It means a lot to me because it knows that my hard work has been paying off.” Sharing about the hardest part of the journey Wilson added, “Because someone at 16 years old, they’re most likely to get scared when they go into the big competition like competitors. Vernon, he’s 32 years old. I’m 16. I’m half of his age. So I’m over. I’m just running for my life when it comes out there.” At 16 Wilson has already cemented his place among the greats, when most at his age are just beginning to find their stride.

16-year-old Quincy Wilson’s phenomenal stride at the U.S. Olympic Trials draws praises from his biggest competitor

Wilson raced against the best in the semis and finished in the third position. While Quincy himself is aware of the fact that the feat of even qualifying for the final step of trials is a huge deal racing against pros at his age, the veterans too could not deny it. 26–year-old Olympic gold-medalist Michael Norman, who himself battled against Wilson on the track couldn’t deny the competition Wilson has been posing. He said, “Young talents like him elevate and push us to run a little faster”. Praising the young sensation, who doesn’t even have got his own driving license, Norman added, “It’s spectacular. A 16-year-old coming out here, competing like a true competitor, not letting the moment get too big but living in the moment”

Running the fastest under-18 400 meter ever, Wilson oozed confidence as he added that he is truly excited for what he has achieved. He is the youngest in the list of competitors but is posing the biggest challenge to the strong and experienced contenders with ease. Looking forward to the final day Quincy Wilson stated, “I’m in the world’s biggest final coming up. At 16 years old, I’m ecstatic right now.” As Wilson prepares for the finals, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness if this young phenom of just 16 can continue his historic streak and perhaps even secure a ticket to the Olympics. However, regardless of the final day, the teenage boy has already created history by shattering world records twice in just three days of the U.S. Olympic Trials.