The Paris Olympics brought a ton of action to the plate of sport aficionados, especially, the track and field fans had a ton of action at the Stade de France. However, one of the most intriguing moments was watching Team USA’s youngest member, Quincy Wilson, grabbing his career-first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 4x400m relays at the age of 16.

Indeed, it was historic for him to participate in the heat rounds and help his team qualify for the finals. And even if he wasn’t a part of the squad in the finals, his team brought him the accolade, owing to his efforts. However, after the coveted event, for months, he wasn’t seen in any kind of track meets. Recently, the 16-year-old starred at the Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival, presenting the Bullis School, but the community perceived him as an underperforming youngster, leading to various kinds of opinions, especially trolling.

Trying out something new in track and field

A few months into the 2024 season, Quincy Wilson garnered significant media attention due to his numerous accolades. Indeed, the USATF considered him a promising prospect for the relay team. Public demand was also present, and through a fortunate turn of events, the Bullis student found himself donning the purple jersey, representing his country on the grandest stage of all sports. While it was a proud moment for him, there was pressure. Many people would break under such conditions, but he thrived and achieved his ambitions at the Stade de France.

The last time Wilson ran in a track event was the Paris Olympics’ 4x400m heats, and no one saw him anywhere else after that. But recently, on December 27, the 16-year-old attended the Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival, too featuring in a Sprint Medley Relay (400-200-200-800). So where did he run? Wilson was set to anchor the Bullis School team and try out his luck in the 800m. And how did it go for the Olympic champion? Not something that his fans would want to see. But what happened?

Wilson’s team struggled a bit, handing him the baton late. However, running 800 meters was indeed no easy feat for him, as was evident from the video. As seen on FloWrestling’s YouTube channel, the Olympic champion ran the distance with a time of 2:10.07, and his team completed the race with a time of 3:34.40. They were far away from the other Bullis School team, comprising Kenneth Adams, Demetrius Lewis Jr., Alexander Lambert, and Colin Abrams, and they finished the race with a time of 3:25.37.

Indeed, the gap was astronomical when it comes to track and field. Wilson hasn’t competed in a race since August, which may explain his current form. However, how did the community react to this? While there were positive and optimistic sides of the crowd, the athlete also received critical comments, as many had concerns regarding his performance.

Fans had not-so-great feelings toward Quincy Wilson

Quincy Wilson became an Olympic champion a few months ago, so the expectations from him are high. And whatever he showcased at the Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival came with internet trolls and critics, as one comment read, “Nahhh looks like the Olympic champion is kinda cooked.” Similarly, another user mocked the athlete, stating, “Dude seems to be too busy enjoying time with his girlfriend to focus on his career.” Another fan commented on his form, stating, “He might be getting over a cold didn’t look in top form Quincy.”

After securing his Olympic fame, Wilson was all over the internet. Indeed, he was busy with interviews and many promotional activities, as he achieved one of the greatest accolades of his career at just 16 years old. And who was one of the proudest people? His girlfriend, Solai Russell, with whom he was spotted many times on various occasions. 

Indeed, there have been doubts about him basking in fame and forgetting his will to compete. “Really out of shape. He was sucking air so hard just trying not to pass out,” one fan commented about the athlete’s current condition. Furthermore, another fan was pissed about his behavior in the competition, stating, “Didn’t shake teammates hand at end is worst thing about this video. Lack of fitness is fine, lack of sportsmanship is not cool.”

Can’t get enough of the trolls and the critics? Can he? This is nothing new for the Olympic champion. In many instances, Wilson has proved his doubters wrong with his performances. And with the 2025 season coming up, the athlete will be focusing on major goals and maybe eyeing his first World Championship title. Only time will tell.