via Imago
iImage credits: Imago
via Imago
iImage credits: Imago
A 16-year-old boy is making America proud, breaking records, shaking up the track and field scene, and competing with athletes double his age. At the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, Quincy Wilson, a sophomore from Bullis School, left fans slack-jawed and timekeepers double-checking their stopwatches. He is, off to Paris with Team USAs 4×400 meter relay squad earning the distinction of being the youngest male ever selected for the U.S. Olympic Track & Field team.
Due his achievements he has garnered the interest of figures such as Deion Sanders, Michael Johnson and Magic Johnson. He has become a figure, in the media frequently appearing on television for interviews. As Noah Lyles is well aware of everything happening around track and field, he too joins the conversation, saying, “I love to see Quincy getting this attention! He definitely deserves it, and I’m glad people see the greatness he has already accomplished!”
“I run for my why.” #QuincyWilson
This young man is amazing.
A bright light!
An incredible talent!
And now…an Olympian!
Did I mention he’s just 16 years old?Go @TeamUSA @usatf @Olympics @QuincyWilson5
Check out our full interview on instagram! @thelauracoates pic.twitter.com/O5kjI6Quzh
— Laura Coates (@thelauracoates) July 3, 2024
However, this ain’t the first time when Noah Lyles is praising him. During the U.S. Olympic track and field trials on June 21, Wilson made history by winning the men’s 400-meter heat in 44.66 seconds, setting a new under-18 record and surpassing a longstanding American high school record. His impressive performance at that time too caught the attention of Noah Lyles.
Wilson, sporting a singlet adorned with Maryland state flag patterns designed in collaboration with New Balance, gained further recognition when NBC Sports shared a video of his race. Lyles, known for his admiration of emerging talent, praised Wilson’s performance and style, emphasizing his impact beyond the track.
“I love this uniform, it’s so Maryland!” Lyles exclaimed in response to the video. Even before that when Quincy Wilson shattered the indoor 400m junior world record with a blistering time of 45.76 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in Boston. Noah Lyles, clearly impressed, took to Twitter, exclaiming, “He is HIM!” This highlights Lyles’ deep admiration for Wilson’s achievements. However, Wilson was even praised by a U.S. track and field legend too.
Quincy Wilson, talk of the town
On 4th July, in an interview with journalist Sheena Quick, retired track and field athlete Justin Gatlin shared his ambitious vision for Quincy Wilson’s future. Gatlin expressed a desire to see Wilson establish his own apparel line, dubbed “Q Dubs,” and to witness upcoming athletes donning Wilson’s signature track spikes and gear. Gatlin emphasized the potential for Wilson to attract sponsorship from major companies, envisioning him as not only a top athlete but also a burgeoning brand in the sport. While this all came after Quincy Wilson made a name for himself.
Quincy Wilson earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team after his standout performance at the Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. He set a new under-18 world record in the 400 meters with a time of 44.66 seconds during the heats and continued his impressive run with a personal best of 44.59 seconds. Although he finished sixth in the finals, Wilson was still selected for the men’s 4×400-meter relay pool for the Paris Games because of his talent. It will surely be interesting to watch him at the Paris Olympics!!
Debate
Quincy Wilson at sixteen—Is he the future of American track and field?