The 2024 season has been as exhilarating as ever. Track and field fans have witnessed speed, upset wins, and incredible races all throughout. But nothing was as thrilling as the Paris Summer Games this year. One of the standout performances was none other than Fred Kerley. Amid a stacked lineup with the likes of Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and more, the 29-year-old stepped onto the track as an underdog.

Another shining star was 16-year-old Quincy Wilson. Not only was he the youngest American male track and field athlete to compete, but he also rose to the challenge during the 4x400m relay heats. It’s no surprise that he has quickly risen through the ranks, even being highlighted as one of Sports Illustrated’s ‘Teen Titans’ for this season. The wunderkind recently embarked on his first NCAA trip to Texas, visiting the alma mater of the 100m Olympic bronze medalist, Texas A&M University.

Fred Kerley has always been forthcoming and pens his thoughts on X quite often. This move inspired the sprinter to share a few throwback images of his childhood. The first image he shared is from the Taylor High School yearbook. All that can be seen is his name under it. Did you know that during his time in high school, the Olympian didn’t start out in track and field? In fact, he initially began with basketball. But he eventually found his way to the sport.

An hour later, the 29-year-old shared two more images featuring his family. In one, his family members are gathered around him as he looks at one of them. In the second, the Olympian is seen with his cousins and siblings. Quite an adorable throwback, don’t you think? Ultimately, the sprinter found his footing in the sport when he attended South Plains College.

However, it was at Texas A&M where Fred Kerley’s skills truly shone. He set several collegiate records and won NCAA titles in the 400m. It wasn’t until 2017 that he turned pro, capturing the U.S. national title in the 400m. That same year, the sprinter also won a silver medal at the London World Championships. Given the success Kerley achieved during his university years, how did Quincy Wilson’s first NCAA trip go?

Quincy Wilson pays Fred Kerley’s Alma mater a visit

The wunderkind has certainly been making waves with his stellar performance this season. During the U.S. Olympic Trials, the 16-year-old sprinted to the finish line in a blistering 44.94 seconds. Although he ultimately finished in sixth place, he set a new U18 record in the 400m category. If that wasn’t enough, he went on to improve his personal best again, establishing a new U18 record of his own.

During his time at the French capital, Quincy Wilson contested in the men’s 4x400m relay heats with Bryce Deadmon, Christopher Bailey, and Vernon Norwood. Even though they qualified third, the sprinter wasn’t too pleased with his performance. However, he left the French capital with a shiny Olympic gold in tow. But even though the Paris Olympics are long gone, the wunderkind is still under the spotlight. 

RoriDunk broke the news on X, “U-18 400m record holder Quincy Wilson will visit Texas A&M this weekend.” The Maryland native shared a few images on Instagram after he visited with ‘#notcommitted’ in the caption. While the 16-year-old hasn’t made a final decision just yet, it is highly unlikely that he might pick A&M, keeping Fred Kerley in mind. 

Even though the 29-year-old didn’t end his season on a high at the Diamond League finale, his stellar performance in the French capital truly showed that he wasn’t the underdog anymore. From not considering track to now being an Olympian, the sprinter has come a long way. What did you think of his heartwarming throwback?