Quincy Wilson To Make History As The U.S. Youngest Track Olympian
Quincy Wilson is on the brink of making history as the youngest American track and field Olympian, having secured a position on the U.S. 4×400 meter relay team. The 16-year-old was informed of this monumental news on June 30, and an official announcement will follow later this month.
“The call came directly to me from USA Track & Field,” Wilson’s coach, Joe Lee, told USA Today. “I called Quincy afterward with the good news.”
As a junior at Bullis High School in Maryland, Wilson’s exceptional performance during the 400-meter race trials this weekend was a sight. He secured the sixth position. A remarkable record-breaking feat preceded his achievement. On June 21, the Maryland native surpassed the world record for under-18 runners in the 400-meter race, leaving the audience in awe.
“I’ve never been this happy a day in my life when it comes to track,” Wilson said after his performance, according to NBC News.
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He ran 44.66 seconds, then 44.59 during the semifinals on June 23. In doing so, he beat the record set by Justin Robinson, who ran 44.84 seconds in 2019.
Wilson will be the youngest U.S. Olympian at the Paris Olympics since Jim Ryun, who competed at 17 in 1964. According to People, he is also the youngest since Cindy Gilbert, who competed at 15 in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
U.S. track and field Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was also among the youngest athletes to perform in recent years. She competed in the 2016 Rio Games when she was 16 years old, turning 17 during the competition.
Wilson told reporters after the 400 that he would keep praying about making the team and refrain from eating junk food this summer.
“I don’t know if my season is over yet; I don’t want to eat ice cream too soon,” Wilson said after running the 400. “I could be getting that call and have to regroup. I’m just gonna keep my head down and keep praying on it and hope I make the team.”
Wilson’s hopes and prayers were answered. He probably won’t be eating any ice cream for a while.