Quincy Wilson stood out long before, emerging as the youngest U.S. male track and field Olympic gold medalist. However, the 16-year-old truly announced his arrival on the big stage when he broke several age group records at the 2024 Olympic trials. Clocking in at 44.66 seconds on the clock, Wilson took the U-18 world record, eventually earning a spot in the relay pool. Yet the athlete didn’t rest.

Despite making it to the Olympic relay pool, Wilson and coach Joe Lee decided to compete ahead of Paris 2024. Joe Lee explained why Wilson ran in Florida while addressing his pupil with a hilarious nickname. “Hey, we went to Florida on purpose. We didn’t have to go because he already made the team, right? So we wanted to leave no doubt,” said Joe Lee.

“And that Little Joker left no doubt,” Coach Lee revealed on The Gill Athletics Track and Field Podcast. Quincy Wilson finished sixth during the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and had to endure a nail-biting waiting period. During this period, fans and even track and field icons such as Rai Benjamin voiced their support for the 16-year-old.

“He deserves it. Kid came out here and ran 44 all 3 rounds. He deserves to be there; he deserves to be on the team,” Benjamin said in an interview ahead of the Paris Olympics. Team USA ultimately chose to include the 400m specialist. However, the athlete chose to complete the Holloway Pro Classic in Gainesville, Florida, for two reasons.

Not only did the 16-year-old want to leave no doubt that he deserved his spot on Team USA but also built up confidence. So on July 19, 2024, just over a week ahead of the Summer Games, Quincy Wilson improved on his U-18 world record, running 400m in 44.20 seconds. Coach Lee explained the impact of that moment while discussing his pupil’s journey on the podcast.

“I was watching something actually last night… that this guy… put together something on Quincy,” said Coach Lee. “He said that possibly was one of the greatest track and field feats ever accomplished. A 16-year-old running 44.20. I’m like, ‘Yeah, I know it.'” added Joe Lee. However, despite the preparation, Wilson’s dream debut nearly became a disaster.

Quincy Wilson is yet to realize his potential on the grandest stage

Wilson fumbled during his debut, despite achieving a new personal best barely a week ahead of the Olympics. The 16-year-old U-18 world record holder had a delayed start as the world watched Team USA fall behind in the opening leg of the 4x400m relay heats. Instead of his usual sub-45-second finish, the high schooler finished the race in 47.3 seconds.

“I knew I had a great three legs behind me. I knew it wasn’t just myself because by myself we would be in last place,” the dejected track and field star said after the race. Thankfully, teammates Bryce Deadmon, Vernon Norwood, and Ryan Bailey helped Team USA qualify. The doubters took the opportunity to lambaste the sprinter on social media, but once again, his teammates voiced their support.

Just because Wilson caved under the immense pressure of the Olympics didn’t make him any less of an athlete in Vernon Norwood’s eyes. “I’m watching a 16-year-old running in the Olympics, making history,” said the 32-year-old. “Don’t even worry about that stuff. You’re about to walk away with an Olympic gold medal,” the Olympian later told CITIUS Mag about his conversation with Wilson.

While Wilson didn’t get the start he wanted, he still walked away as an Olympic gold medalist. By the time LA 2028 rolls around, Quincy Wilson will be four years older and more experienced. So despite the hilarious nickname, Coach Lee is aware of the significance of Wilson’s historic Olympic achievement and how it’ll help his pupil move forward.