Think of what you were doing at 16. No, this is not a guilt trip. But a celebration of the achievements of what Quincy Wilson is all about. The sensational 16YO track and field athlete has become the youngest to race the track. No one has gone as young as Wilson in America’s 128-year-old track and field history. Therefore, if he runs for the 4×400-meter relay team, he will create history as the youngest athlete to run in the finals.

We have witnessed Zheng Haohao, 11, compete in the skateboarding competition and other young competitors in various disciplines. But track and field is different. The speed and power to push yourself is the key and most athletes are above 20. For a 16-year-old, it takes time for one’s body to develop into developing those strides. For Quincy Wilson, well, let’s just call him a wonderkid.

So, when did this athlete spring to life? Why is there so much fuss around him?

Quincy Wilson to make history for U.S.A

After running the first leg of the 4×400-meter relay team, he eclipsed the youngest athlete record set by middle-distance runner Jim Ryun, who was 17 at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Although there are no official confirmations on whether he will run on Saturday, Wilson will be expected to start the race. Most times, the countries chip and chop the lineups for the finals. Hopefully, we get to see a young prodigy blaze the tracks.

But to some, he is a sure starter. Wilson dominated his high school circuit at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland for some time. He created a stunning 400m run at the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, by blazing a sub-45-second in three consecutive rounds. Although he finished sixth in the final, fans took notice of the young talent.

Likewise, during a meet on July 18th in Florida, he really took his game to another level. He set an Under-18 world record and won the race in 44.20. Since then, he has been on everyone’s radar. Moreover, this time turned out to be the world’s 11th fastest time of the season. The fastest time was set by another Quincy, Quincy Hall (43.40), who won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Therefore, the 11th fastest time could have fetched him 6th place in this year’s 400m final.

Despite his stunning running prowess, the coaches decided not to give him a chance for the mixed 4×400-meter team relay as sometimes, experience matters more than medals, at a young age.

The unlimited potential of America’s new star by running around his house!

When one looks into his family background, Quincy Wilson’s sister, Kadence, is a sprinter and long jumper for James Madison University. Meanwhile, Shaniya Hall, his cousin, runs for the University of Oregon. Talent runs in his household and he recollected his jump into track and field at a young age.

According to ESPN, Wilson mentioned, “When I got the call, I was like, I was ecstatic. I started running around the house. It was just a moment for me because everybody dreams about going to the Olympics as a young kid.”

Therefore, it’s his time to shine. Hopefully, we can see Quincy Wilson compete in the finals and make history. Do you think Team USA should select him?