Quincy Wilson, the 16-year-old standout from Bullis School near Washington D.C., showcased his exceptional skill at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, finishing sixth in the 400-meter final with a time of 44.94. The top spot went to Quincy Hall with a time of 44.17, followed closely by Michael Norman at 44.41 and Chris Bailey at 44.42, securing their spots on the team headed to Paris.
While Wilson narrowly missed securing an individual spot — which would have made him the youngest male ever to do so — he remains a strong candidate for the U.S. 4×400 relay team, offering another opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Wilson’s performance caps off an impressive weekend for the high school athlete, highlighted by his breaking and then surpassing the world record for under-18 runners, a record that had stood for 42 years.
Competing against some of the world’s fastest athletes, Wilson, who only recently completed his sophomore year of high school, demonstrated remarkable maturity. His determination and composure on the track impressed veterans like Michael Norman, who praised Wilson’s performances as “spectacular.”
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“Watching a 16-year-old compete with such determination is truly inspiring,” Norman remarked. “He’s handling the pressure exceptionally well and pushing all of us to perform better. With his talent and focus, he has a promising future ahead if he remains grounded.”
Standing at 5-feet-9 and weighing 140 pounds, Wilson faced adversity in the semifinals but rallied with determination. Despite finding himself in fifth place at the final turn, Wilson’s resilience and heart propelled him to third place down the stretch.
“When the race plan fell apart, I had to stay composed,” Wilson recalled. “I didn’t start as strongly as I wanted to, but my coach always emphasizes that the real race starts at the 300-meter mark. Moving from fifth to third meant a lot. Physically, I might not be the strongest, but my determination gave me everything I needed.”
Quincy Wilson’s journey at the U.S. Olympic Trials not only marks a significant step in his young career but also sets the stage for a promising future in track and field.
