Getting the chance to perform at a high stage, specifically as a veteran, is no joke. For 16-year-old track and field athlete Quincy Wilson, making a historic record at the Paris Olympics was an unexpected one. Making an already popular image at the 2024 U.S. Olympics Trials, Wilson qualified for the Paris Olympics Men’s 4 × 400 meters relay heats. The youngster, however, missed his chance in the finals. 

Wilson’s 400-meter personal best of 44.20 at the Holloway Pro Classic in July, along with his contribution in the Olympic relay that happened just a few days short of a month later, however, has made him the youngest-ever American male gold medalist to compete in the Olympics. Not making the finals not only came as a dismay for the youngster but also for his coach, Joe Lee. Leading the way for the young runner throughout his impressive journey of his first Olympics debut, his removal from the finals was news that also carried some probability of his inclusion to the team.

Joe Lee on Wilson’s probable run to the finals

Wilson’s absence from the finals was a disappointment for Joe at first, but it was not something that was totally kept hidden. Discussing this situation on The Gill Athletics Track and Field Podcast, Joe hints on a possible, not confirmed, run of Quincy Wilson in the finals. “I mean… I would say this way, we were told that’s a, there was a possibility to run the final. Okay. So I don’t consider that being strung along.”

Said or not, for Joe, the sorrow came in respect to the decision of debarring a veteran player to enter the finals. For him, an impressive run of 44:20 achievable by the 16-year-old athlete is itself a victory. “A 16-year-old running 44.20. I’m like, yeah, I know it. And then I said, ‘Wait a minute, I what, think about it, like for his age to do what he did, whatever.’ So that’s why I went to Florida… He doesn’t get chosen.”

Having made it to the Team USA roster under the men’s 4x400m relay pool, Wilson’s participation in the Puma American Track League meet held in Florida was a planned one. Increasing his chances for the veteran to make his name in the Paris Olympics representing Team USA, the dream is currently a failed chance this year.

What’s next for Quincy Wilson?

Garnering much attention from the Paris Olympics, the setback comes as a learning experience for a youngster like Wilson, who has much more to do in life to make such failed attempts at gaining success in his career. Under the guidance of two-time national coach Joe Lee as part of Maryland’s Bullis School track and field team, Wilson’s performance as a sophomore holds impressive achievements. A national championship title, a national title for the 4×400 relay team, and individual honors of the Manuel José Baca, Jr. Joy of Living Award and the sophomore Head of Upper School Award—the list continues.

The Virginia-born runner who has already made a name for himself at such a young age remains to become a college prospect prior to becoming a professional player. With a much similar thought, his coach’s recent comments on the matter state it. The former athlete discussing his ongoing popularity addressed him gaining experience first rather than entering a professional phase for now. Starting his junior year with Bullies, Quincy Wilson’s commitment to a particular university remains, with hints hanging on the University of California and Texas A&M University.