Quincy Hall is looking to make history in Paris while breaking a 16-year-old jinx. Hall, who has already qualified for the Olympics, has been impressive ever since he won the NACAC U23 Championships in 2019. Specializing in the 400m discipline, Hall went on to win the NACAC Championships in 2022 before clinching glory at the World Championships.

Competing in Budapest 2023, Hall won the gold medal in the 4x400m relay. He also won the bronze in the individual event, strengthening his cause for a glorious launch in Paris. With a 400m personal best of 44.17 seconds, Hall will be America’s biggest hope to claim the 400m gold medal that has long eluded the nation. Adding to the possibilities, a recent update mentioned a doubtful Antonio Watson, which could further enhance Hall’s chances.

Quincy Hall hopeful as Antinio Watson might pull out of Paris

According to recent updates, Watson might be dealing with an injury, a concern raised by none other than Glen Mills. The same was relayed on social media by an account named Owen M on X with the quote: “It’s uncertain.” It further added: “Legendary coach Glen Mills has stated that there’s a chance that Antonio Watson won’t compete at the Jamaican Olympic Trials after sustaining an injury earlier this season. Antonio is the defending World Champion in the men’s 400m.” 

Antonio Watson set the stage on fire at the 2023 World Championships, clocking an impressive 44.13 seconds to clinch the gold and further bolster an already formidable Jamaican lineup. Sadly, Watson’s quest for Paris might suffer a huge blow. While this might be sad news for Jamaican fans, it may not be the same for Americans.

For the uninitiated, the USA has been the top performer in the 400m discipline. Throughout the years, the US has won 21 gold medals and 44 medals in total. They also boast a record of winning the 400m Olympic gold for 24 straight years until 2008. LaShawn Merritt’s gold was the last they would win to date. For 16 years now, the USA has been devoid of a gold medal in the discipline that was once their forte. Quincy Hall aims to change that this time.

Quincy Hall giving America hope

Quincy Hall stormed his way into Paris at the US Olympic trials. Running alongside names such as Michael Norman and Quincy Wilson, Hall surprised everyone with his sheer speed. Clocking his lifetime best of 44.17s, Hall clinched the top spot to qualify for Paris. Michael Norman, too, looked sharp, as he finished second with a time of 44.41s. Looking confident about his chances, Hall stated, “I’m really in my event now. I’m having fun and I’m doing good things.”

Well, Hall does have enough reasons to be hopeful. Standing fifth on the 2024 fastest list, Quincy Hall is well ahead of the Tokyo gold medalist. Languishing at number 10, Bahamas’ Steven Gardiner has only managed to record a modest 44.39s. With things looking bright, it is up to Quincy Hall to hold his composure and break the jinx in Paris.