Quincy Wilson, a 16-year-old stud from Bullis School outside Washington, D.C., was fantastic at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials and came in sixth in the 400-meter final in 44.94. Topping the list was Quincy Hall, with a time of 44.17, followed closely by Michael Norman, at 44.41, and Chris Bailey, at 44.42, earning their spots on the team to be sent to Paris.
Though Wilson missed out on an individual berth — which would have made him the youngest male ever to qualify — he is in prime position for the U.S. 4×400 relay, an opportunity to stand out on the global stage.
Wilson’s performance capped off a remarkable weekend for the high school athlete, who not only broke the under-18 record but broke it twice with a mark that previously stood for 42 years.
At 5-feet-9 and 140 pounds, Wilson had adversity in the semifinals but fought with heart. And despite being in fifth at the last turn, Wilson’s determination and guts carried him to a third-place finish down the stretch.
“When the plan for taking the race went out the window, I needed to be calm,” Wilson recalled. “I didn’t get off the blocks as strong as I wanted, but my coach kind of reminds me that the real race starts at 300, so that’s when I just put my head down and started running my race. Fifth to third was huge.” I might not be the strongest one in this thing physically, but my determination gave me everything I needed.
His time in the U.S. Olympic Trials not only represents a great stride in his young career, but it also prepares him for a successful future in track and field.
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