The United States has a long history of male track and field Olympians, spanning 128 years. However, a new record has been set by 16-year-old Quincy Wilson. According to his coach Joe Lee, Wilson will be participating in the U.S. 4×400-meter relay team at the Stade de France, making him the youngest male U.S. track Olympian in history.
While Wilson’s participation in the Olympic final is not guaranteed, his presence at such a young age is truly exceptional. Even with other young competitors like an 11-year-old Chinese skateboarder and a 14-year-old Australian skateboarder winning gold, Wilson’s strength and endurance in the 400-meter event have been impressive.
Standing at 5-foot-9, Wilson has shown his dominance in the 400-meter event by excelling against his high school peers at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. His outstanding performance at the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, where he ran a sub-45-second 400 in three consecutive rounds, further solidified his talent.
Wilson’s success continued as he set a new Under-18 world record with a time of 44.20 at a meet in Florida, outrunning professional competitors. His remarkable achievements led USA Track & Field to consider him for the U.S. relay team in Paris, showcasing his potential on the global stage.
Despite having family members involved in track and field, including his sister Kadence and cousin Shaniya Hall, Wilson has carved his path as a rising sprinting star. While the U.S. already boasts talented 400-meter runners like Quincy Hall, Wilson’s emergence has raised expectations for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
As Wilson looks towards his junior year of high school, his journey as the youngest male U.S. track Olympian serves as a testament to his dedication and talent at such a young age. With the Tokyo Olympics setting the stage for his future endeavors, Wilson’s remarkable achievements are just the beginning of what could be a promising career in track and field.