What goes on behind the scenes is just as important as the on-field performance. While we see the blood, sweat, and tears of runners on the track, there’s an even bigger brain standing on the sidelines. It’s their coaches and their support staff. As Quincy Hall gets ready for the 400m finals, it is important to understand how he found himself at the pinnacle of sporting glory. It certainly wasn’t a one-man show; he had multiple people behind him.

One of them was Allen Curtis, the legendary coach who transformed Halls’ running. Had it not been for Curtis’ immense knowledge, Quincy Halls’ natural talent might have found a clear way of channeling itself. So as the 26-year-old starts his quest for an Olympic gold, let’s dive deep into his history with the man who turned things around for him.

Meet Quincy Hall’s coach, Allen Curtis

Curtis Allen is a name that isn’t unknown in the track and field world. However, interestingly, before becoming Quincy Hall’s coach and a track and field legend, Curtis was chiefly associated with football. He played as an all-conference defensive back at Fresno State during the 90s. But his chief success was to come not as a player but as a coach. He showed hints of his greatness quite early and with football.

From 2005 to 2010, Allen had a great coaching career in college football. As head coach, he led his teams to 3 postseason bowl games. However, his interest was somewhere else. Allen realized that he had far more potential on the track and field coaching side. And that’s when he made a switch that ultimately proved to be highly fruitful for him. That’s what led him to Quincy Hall—an athlete that continues to impress him.

But it isn’t surprising. After all, Curtis knows what Hall is capable of. “Here (at COS in 2017, 2018), he was the only athlete in California state history to win the 400, open 400, 400 hurdles, and the mile relay,” said Curtis about Hall. He said that after Quincy Hall set the fastest 400m time by an American in the 2024 season. As Hall’s personal coach, Curtis too deserves some credit for it. Especially because he has worked for years gathering knowledge about the sport.

The glorious coaching career of Allen Curtis

Allen Curtis first came into contact with track and field in 2002. Then he served as the head track and field coach at the College of the Sequoias. His tenure lasted until 2017, and during that time, he led the COS down an enviable path. From 2014 to 2017, Curtis led COS to consecutive top 5 finishes in both men’s and women’s events. On top of that, he won the state championship in 2017. After that, Curtis moved to UCLA.

He joined UCLA as the assistant coach for sprints and relays and remained there until 2022. During his tenure there, Allen Curtis gained a lot of fame for consistently guiding athletes toward a winning run. More than that, he was also responsible for training Deajah Stevens, the 2016 Olympian. So one can see that Curtis has been around the block. However, Quincy Hall provides an unprecedented and frankly unexpected chance. A chance at Olympic gold.

Could Allen Curtis’ student succeed in bringing glory to his coach? Perhaps he could. After all, he is currently one of the favorites to win the race. But surprising things can happen in the Olympics, and that’s why one can’t guarantee anything until it actually happens.