A Track Star is Born: Quincy Wilson is Only Getting Started
Getty Images
In 2016, a determined 8-year-old Quincy Wilson set his sights on the Junior Olympics in Humble, Texas. Inspired by professional runners on TV, he asked his mom, "How do I get like that?" She assured him that with unwavering determination, relentless training, and a focus on the present, he could "be that kid one day." Last weekend, at 16 years old, he shattered the record for the 800m race in the U18 category twice, a testament to his unyielding spirit.
At the Olympic trials in Hayward Field, Quincy broke a 42-year-old record during the first round of the 400-meter race by clocking in at 44.66 seconds. Just two days later, on June 23rd, he surpassed his own record with a new time of 44.59 seconds, securing the top spot on the American High School time list and earning a place in the finals. Although it seemed like he was on track for Paris 2024, in the final event of the trials, he finished in sixth place with a time of 44.94 seconds.
It may seem easy to question how the pressure of these situations affects his performance, given his age and experience relative to his competitors, but Wilson is fully aware of it all.“I’m not running high school anymore, I’m running with the big dogs,” he mentioned. Given his results, it’s clear he’s in it to win it, putting in the hard work and commitment needed to succeed in the big leagues.
However, training is only a part of the secret. Coach Joe Lee has also played an important role in his progress, pushing him to the limit while guiding him to keep a level mind: “You’re just as good… Just keep focusing.” The preparation must be both mental and physical, especially when working with a young prodigy, and Coach Lee is aware of this.
“If you knew the pressure and the weight of what he’s had to endure, and he’s done it all with a smile on his face. I gotta give credit to his parents for raising such an amazing kid.”
Besides training him to improve his technique and strength every day, Coach Lee has also shown him how to find his confidence and believe in what he can achieve.
Had he qualified, Wilson would have made history as the youngest male American to join the Olympic track and field team, and the first 16-year-old since Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone participated in Rio 2016. His Olympic dreams are not dashed yet, as he still has a chance to be selected by Coach Mike Marsh for the U.S. relay pool team. The future is bright for this young athlete, and his potential for future success is a source of hope and excitement for all who follow his journey.
Regardless of the outcome, Quincy's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. His achievements so far prove that he is a track star in every sense of the word. He is focused, with a humble approach that allows him to keep trying and learning from every obstacle he faces. With a family and team that stand by him, he is not deterred by the setback in Paris. He might not race in Paris this summer, but Quincy Wilson shows no signs of stopping now.