At just 16 years old, Quincy Wilson is rewriting the record books in the track-and-field world. The Potomac, Maryland native has been selected for the U.S. Olympic 4×400-meter relay pool, becoming the youngest American male ever to join the Olympic track team.
Born on January 8, 2008, Wilson’s meteoric rise in athletics has been nothing short of phenomenal. He just finished his sophomore year at Bullis School, known for producing impressive athletes like his cousin Shaniya Hall, Wilson has been turning heads with his exceptional speed and consistency.
Wilson’s breakthrough came at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, where he shattered the world under-18 record in the 400 meters not once, but twice. He first clocked 44.66 seconds in the opening round, breaking the 42-year-old record, then improved it to 44.59 seconds in the semifinals. Although he finished sixth in the final with a time of 44.94, his performances throughout the trials were enough to secure his spot in the relay pool for Paris 2024.
Family Influence
The young sprinter’s success is rooted in a strong athletic family background. Beyond his cousin, his parents – Monique and Roy Wilson – were both college athletes, with his father playing football at the Naval Academy. His older sister, Kadence, is a collegiate sprinter and long jumper at James Madison University. The family’s emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence is evident in Quincy’s straight-A report card and his track team’s impressive 3.9 average GPA.
Influencer Wilson
Wilson is savvy on social media, boasting over 40,000 Instagram followers and a YouTube channel where he vlogs about his meets, training, and off-track life.
Also, his talent has not gone unnoticed in the professional world. In September 2023, he became one of the youngest American athletes to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with a major sports brand, inking a contract with New Balance. He joins notable athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Coco Gauff on the New Balance roster.
Despite his professional commitments, he still enjoys typical teenage activities like playing Fortnite, drinking lemonade, eating sweets, and hanging out with teammates.
Home Record
His accolades include being a five-time AAU Junior Olympic Games champion and a two-time defending indoor champion in the 400 meters at the New Balance Nationals. Wilson has also shown versatility in his events, setting records in the indoor 500m and performing well in the 200m and 800m.
As Wilson prepares for the Paris Olympics, he carries with him the hopes of a nation and the admiration of established athletes. Olympic 400-meter hurdler Rai Benjamin has already advocated for Wilson’s inclusion in the relay pool, recognizing the young athlete’s potential to contribute to Team USA’s success.
With his combination of raw talent, strong work ethic, and supportive background, Quincy Wilson is not just a rising star in track and field – he’s a glimpse into the future of American sprinting. As he steps onto the global stage in Paris, the world will be watching to see what this teenage phenom can achieve.
