Ahead of the Olympic Team Trials, the country’s top track stars are doing everything they can to showcase their blazing speeds. While the senior runners are obviously at the center of the spotlight, the juniors aren’t far behind, and 16-year-old Quincy Wilson is making ripples in the hearts of fans. In recent months, the Bullis School athlete has secured several top-of-the-podium finishes, but the journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges.

Most fans believe that nabbing medals is the sole focus for national athletes. Yet, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Similarly, for Quincy, prioritizing his family and health has been a frantically troublesome affair, especially with the prize that beckons the teenager at the end of the road.

Quincy Wilson’s unnerving experience

Earlier today, Wilson clinched another major victory at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, and Citius Mag founder Chris Chavez caught up with the youngster to gauge his emotions as the US Track and Field Team Trials inch closer. “16-year-old Quincy Wilson (@QuincyWilson5) has a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the 400 meters or a relay when he races at the U.S. Olympic Trials next week,” reads the caption of the post after witnessing Wilson’s breakneck 45.13 finish to the boys’ 400m sprint.

While the high-schooler couldn’t hold back his gleeful smile after the victory, he also mentioned how things were looking daunting just a month ago. Wilson revealed that days before last month’s PUMA East Coast International Showcase, his sister was involved in a horrific accident that resulted in a detached quad and fractured hip. Understandably shaken, Wilson decided to run the PUMA meet in honor of his sibling.

With 45.17 seconds on the clock, Wilson did win the 400m race at the meet but was diagnosed with a case of stomach bug. “I ran for my sister, but the next day, I’m in the hospital,” said Quincy in the interview. Along with his own illness, the runner confessed that his sister’s health also took a toll on his body. “…i really care for my family the most,” Quincy didn’t mince his words. While he did mention that it was a difficult task getting his form back, Wilson seems to be on the right track.

The high-schooler on the right track to greatness

In March this year, Wilson claimed another significant victory at the Florida Relays, clocking 45.19 seconds in the 400m sprint. Then, in April at the New Balance Indoor Nationals, Wilson outpaced competitors in the U18 category with a time of 45.76 seconds in the 400m event, improving upon his previous year’s performance of 46.67 seconds. Only days later, he almost recorded his first-ever sub-1:50 time in the 800m event, highlighting how his prowess isn’t limited to the 400m race only.

His latest win at the New Balance Outdoors bolsters his claim for a spot in Team USA for the upcoming Olympics. Quincy’s elite mentality has been so apparent that even the likes of Noah Lyles had to commend him on his brilliance. Joe Lee, Quincy’s coach is also in awe of his student’s abilities. “Most kids are afraid to push through unknown barriers. He doesn’t even have barriers,” confessed Lee about what Wilson brings to the table.