Quincy Wilson made history, becoming the youngest male track and field athlete to represent the USA in the Olympics. However, his historic debut was also a sour one. The 400m junior world record holder fumbled the first leg with a late start. By the time the 16-year-old American handed the baton to Vernon Norwood, he had clocked in 47.30s, his worst split in a long time.

However, the rest of Team USA supported the first-time Olympians. Norwood ran the 400m split in 43.60 seconds, followed by Bryce Deadmon’s impressive 44.20-second split. Finally, Chris Bailey anchored the last leg, overtaking the Japanese sprinter and finishing the race in third place. Wilson’s late star almost cost the USA a direct entry into the finals.

To put into perspective just how disastrous Wilson’s Olympics debut 400m split turned out to be, we need to look back. The U16 world record holder hasn’t taken over 47s to run 400m in a competition since at least 2023. Wilson burst onto the scene with a 46.67s 400m sprint at the New Balance Nationals Indoor in April 2023.

A week before the Olympics, the Bullis School athlete set a new U18 400m record with 44.20s. Had Wilson been able to match that performance, he would have run just as fast as 27-year-old Bryce Deadmon. Quincy Wilson’s Coach Joe Lee took to social media to inform fans about Wilson’s state of mind. “As you’d expect, Quincy Wilson was not pleased with his performance,” wrote Lee.

“(The team) got me around the track today. My great determination got me around the track. I knew I had a great three legs behind me. I knew it wasn’t just myself because by myself we would be in last place,” Lee quoted the U16 national record holder. During poorly during an event the USA has historically dominated, attracted the ire of some fans. Yet others understood that performing under so much pressure isn’t easy, especially for a 16-year-old boy.

In the defense of Quincy Wilson

While some on the internet were quick to criticize the newcomer’s late start, many fans, like Wilson’s relay team, rallied behind the young athlete. They highlighted the underlying factors behind the performance. “You all should take it easy on Quincy Wilson. The Olympics is no small feat and he’s still young. The occasion can overwhelm anyone especially a pikin at that… We all know he’s very good and talented so no need for the trolling,” wrote one fan.

The pressure to perform at the Olympics has indeed affected far more experienced athletes in the past. Even the world’s most decorated gymnast Simone Biles came down with a case of ‘twisties’ during the Tokyo Olympics. The pressure to perform at the Olympics for her nation nearly crippled the then-four-time Olympic gold medalist.

Meanwhile, some fans to entrain any criticism for the rookie debutant. “No Quincy Wilson slander will be tolerated,” the X-user wrote, taking a stern stand against the criticism that came Quincy Wilson’s way. Interestingly, the Virginia resident wasn’t the only 16-year-old U.S. Olympian who fumbled during their debut. 16-year-old Hezly Rivera also fumbled during her Olympic debut.

As the youngest gymnast on Team USA performed her balance beam routine, she lost balance and had to rest on her shin. Yet, the young gymnast managed to rebound and complete her routine. This is why one individual reiterated, “You people need to leave Quincy Wilson alone. He is a child at his first Olympics who has run a sensational school season. A lot of confusing back and forth about whether he will/will not run. He will learn and improve.”

Others who came to the U18 world record holder’s defense also forgave him owing to his lack of experience. “Quincy Wilson gets grace. Don’t think he’s ever led off a relay. We’ll see you next year kid, great year!” posted an X-user. While the phenom has repeatedly improved on his record in the past year, he has done it on home soil, at the national level.

So, Paris 2024 is not just the sprinter’s first Olympics but his biggest international event yet. Besides the pressure to perform on the grandest stage, Wilson lined up with the likes of Letsile Tebogo, the man who beat Noah Lyles in the 200m before joining the 400m relay team. That’s why one fan made a crucial point on how blaming Quincy Wilson would harm his mindset.

“I really hope Quincy Wilson is protected and not made to feel bad for his 1st leg. He is 16 & ran his 1st race for his country at the Olympic Games. That experience will make him dangerous in upcoming meets,” commented the fan. So, while 47.30s may be the worst time the 16-year-old has run in a long while, many believe the 400m specialist doesn’t deserve criticism he got a section of track and field fans. What do you believe? Tell us your opinion in the comments.