Set to make history at the Olympic Games in Paris later this month, Quincy Wilson is an extraordinary sprinter who is rapidly becoming a well-known figure nationally and around the world.
Wilson is also a 16-year-old student at the Bullis School, a private college preparatory school in Potomac, Maryland.
For the Olympics, he was just selected for the 4×400 meter relay. Announcing the news on Instagram, Wilson wrote: “WE GOING TO THE OLYMPICS.”
“He’s a phenomenal student and an outstanding role model for his peers,” said Joe Lee, head coach of track and field at the Bullis School. “He does great off the track in the classroom and on the track, so we’re super proud of him.”
If he runs in Paris, Wilson would become the youngest male U.S. track and field Olympian in history.
“They don’t tell you who’s going to run it yet,” Lee explained. “We won’t know that officially until they set the teams out there.”
The Games are set to take place from July 26 through August 11.
“The things that I would say stick out to me about him are his character, his work ethic, his kindness and his heart,” Lee said. “He’s a fun-loving young man who loves to laugh, but when it’s time to get to business, he’s locked in better than anyone I’ve seen.”
Wilson drew a lot of attention recently at the U.S. Olympic Trials for his 400-meter dash.
He broke the world record for runners under 18 years old by running it in 44.66 seconds — but it didn’t last long. Shortly after, Wilson then broke his own record by running it in 44.59 seconds.
“We’re super proud of him and excited that he gets a chance not just to represent his family, his team and his school, but also his country,” said Lee.
