The Rise of Quincy Wilson: A Teen Sensation in Track and Field
1. Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
Quincy Wilson, one of the world’s fastest teenagers, has been creating waves in the track and field arena. Just six months ago, at the age of 16, Wilson made history by winning relay gold at the Paris Olympics, becoming the youngest male track and field champion ever. This monumental achievement, however, feels like a distant memory for him now as he dives headfirst into the indoor racing season. For Wilson, it’s all about looking forward. “I’m just getting back to work,” he tells CNN Sport. “No gold medal, none of that in mind. When I’m practicing, I’m worrying about my future goals, nothing in the past. I can’t go and change what I’ve done.”
2. Balancing School and Sport: The Busy Life of a High School Athlete
Despite his Olympic success, Wilson is still a high school student at Bullis School in Maryland, set to graduate next year. His days are packed with early morning wake-up calls, school, and rigorous training sessions. He wakes up at 5 a.m., catches the bus by 6:15, and starts school by 7:30. After a full day of classes, he heads to the track for practice from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by homework and preparing for tests. Wilson emphasizes the importance of his education, stating, “I think I’m more focused in the classroom than I am on the track, and that can tell you a lot.”
3. Academic Excellence and Passion for Learning
Wilson maintains an A average and is enthusiastic about his courses, including anatomy, physiology, pre-calculus, and photography. He’s particularly passionate about an engineering project focused on earthquake-resistant buildings. “I’m not taking classes just like PE,” he adds with a smile. “I’m taking every single class an 11th grader would and some.” While he hasn’t yet decided on his college of choice, he aspires to attend a university that offers “great athletics, great academics, great teammates, great support – just great staff all around.”
4. The Quest for More Records in the Indoor Season
This indoor season, Wilson is making waves again. He recently broke his own indoor high school 400-meter record in Boston with a time of 45.66 seconds. Up next is the Millrose Games in New York City, where he’ll compete in the 600 meters. Wilson has his sights set on Will Sumner’s high school 600m record of 1:15.58, though he acknowledges the challenge. “I’m just going out there to try to run my best, and if I see 1:15 on the clock, I’ll be super ecstatic,” he says.
5. A Glimpse into Wilson’s Olympic Journey and Beyond
Wilson’s rise to fame began at the US Olympic Trials last year, where he broke the under-18 400m world record twice before finishing sixth in the final. This performance earned him a spot in the relay pool, making him the youngest US man to compete in track and field at the Olympics. In Paris, despite a hamstring injury and a less-than-stellar performance in the heats, Wilson still earned a gold medal as part of the US 4x400m relay team. The experience was nothing short of a “dream come true” for him.
6. Life Beyond the Track: A Teenager’s Passions and Aspirations
Off the track, Wilson’s life is that of a typical teenager. He misses football dearly, having focused solely on track at 15, and is an avid Ravens fan. He’s even had the chance to meet quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers. Wilson’s dedication to balancing his elite athletic career with a normal teenage life is inspiring. He’s currently putting off getting his driver’s license, focusing instead on enjoying his youth. Wilson’s story is a testament to hard work, focus, and the ability to stay grounded despite extraordinary achievements.
