Surrendering to a 10th Grader, Quincy Wilson, US Olympics Legend Says: “Would Beat Me in Any Era”

16-year-old high school sprinter, Quincy Wilson, who runs faster than some of the best athletes in the world, is making huge waves in the realm of track and field, giving his older competitors quite a complex! His recent best of 45.19 sec in the 400-meter dash in the Florida Relays earned him a spot in the US Olympic Trials! Attesting to his insane capabilities, in addition to track and field champions like Noah Lyles, US Olympic Legend Justin Gatlin also applauded the sophomore in awe. 

The US Track and field Legend, Justin Gatlin, donning 5 Olympic and 12 World Championship medals, was awestruck with the track prodigy, Quincy Wilson’s track record. He had nothing but praises for the 10th grader as he stated in his recent podcast with Rodney Green on his channel Ready Set Go.

Wilson’s remarkable feat led Gatlin to surrender and acknowledge his exceptional skill, a rare nod from a respected figure in the sport. Holding Wilson in high acclaim, Gatlin stated, “especially a young athlete when you deal with him and first all I’m just going to say he would beat me in any era of my career in a 400 let ask any era in any era of my career”.

Outpacing legends like Usain Bolt and Kirani James in the U18 all-time list, Wilson became a Junior Olympian at the age of 9! And keeping up this streak, he is now set to acquire the 2024 Olympics title. Commenting on Wilson’s fabulous performance in the Florida Relay, Gatlin, stated, “he went out there and made the Olympic team. Did he win a medal?  No, he didn’t, I think. He just made the finals if you know what I mean, but it set up her future.” That was not all!

After learning about Wilson’s age and his record performance of 45.19 in the 400 meters, the only words that came from Gatlin were “THAT’s CRAZY!” After positioning himself as the fastest runner in the United States and the sixth fastest globally for the season, Quincy Wilson has huge potential to shine in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Quincy Wilson and Justin Gaitlin: Divided by generations, united by track

With the fastest time in the U.S. this season, the young speedster holds the indoor world record of 400 meters in the under-18 category. At the AAU Junior Olympics in 2022, Quincy Wilson won the 400 meters with a time of 47.77 seconds. The 10th Grader also signed a NIL deal with New Balance when he was just 15! Wilson is continuing his success in 2024 by breaking several national records and high school all-time marks. 

Justin Gatlin has also had an impressive collection of medals at major championships, including 5 Olympic medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze) and 12 World Championship medals overall! He won the 100m Olympic Gold in Athens and got his first world title the following year, clinching the 100m and 200m double in Helsinki. However, the Olympian’s career took a tragic turn two years later.

Read More: 16-Year-Old Quincy Wilson Has Been Breaking Records Not Only on the Track but Also Beyond It

In May 2006, the American broke the 100m world record, which was annulled due to a positive doping test, which led to his suspension. The athlete remained dormant until 2010. In 2012, he made a comeback by securing Gold at the IAAF World Indoor Championship. And from there, it only got better! His most recent accomplishment includes winning Gold at the 2019 World Outdoor Championship in 4x100m relay. 

With the Paris Olympics 2024 quickly approaching, many spectators and fans are taking the time to make early predictions for these athletes who can make it to Team USA, and Quincy Wilson is definitely a hight anticipated contender!