After impressing at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, 16-year-old Quincy Wilson has earned a spot on the Team USA relay pool for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. Wilson, a rising junior at Potomac, Maryland’s Bullis School, will be the youngest American male track athlete at the games this summer. Despite not qualifying for the 400 meters individually, Wilson’s record-breaking runs caught the attention of the relay pool committee, who requested him to be ready to run any leg at any time.
Wilson announced his selection on Instagram with an excited post, declaring, “WE GOING TO THE OLYMPICS.” The decision to add him to the relay pool came after Wilson ran under 45 seconds in three 400-meter heats at the trials, breaking the under-18 world record and setting a new record twice in just a few days. Despite finishing sixth in the finals, Wilson’s impressive performance earned him a spot in the relay pool.
Following his standout performance at the trials, many in the track and field community supported Wilson’s inclusion in the relay pool. Olympic gold medalist Rai Benjamin praised Wilson’s abilities and stated that the young athlete deserved the opportunity to compete at the Olympics, given his exceptional performance during the trials. Wilson expressed his gratitude and excitement for the chance to represent Team USA in Paris, showcasing his dedication and talent in the sport.