Quincy Wilson becoming the youngest U.S. Olympic track gold medalist ever? Not a fluke, not a fairy tale—just cold, hard talent mixed with relentless hustle. At just 16, this Maryland sensation has turned the U-18 400m world record into his personal playground, smashing it repeatedly in 2024. That glittering gold he snagged in Paris? Just another chapter in the epic story of the Bullis High prodigy who’s redefining what’s possible on the track.

But even legends-in-the-making don’t rise alone. Enter Joe Lee, the coaching genius who’s been the Obi-Wan to Quincy’s Luke, the steady hand behind every historic run. And now, in a twist that could rival any underdog movie script, Quincy’s the one stepping up for Lee. As his mentor navigates tough times, Quincy’s showing the world that loyalty and heart are just as strong as his record-breaking stride. Considering how Lee’s guidance has helped Wilson soar in the track and field sky, it’s only normal to see the student scurrying to hold his coach’s hand in a role reversal.

In his latest Instagram story from December 2, the Olympian shared a post urging his fans to keep the Lee family in their prayers. Accompanied by two praying emojis, the social media update shares the original IG post by Lee from the same date. As per the coach’s heartbreaking note, he recently lost one of the closest people in his life. “Saturday night I got a call from my cousin that my Aunt Mildred was unexpectedly in ICU and may not be with us much longer,” Lee writes in the post, before elaborating how she left the mortal world soon after he drove up to Jersey to meet her for one last time.

“She was more like a second MOM to me than an aunt,” fondly remembers Quincy Wilson’s coach. Naturally, the rising track star was shocked by the news, and quickly extended his compassionate message to his mentor. Heading over to the comment section of Lee’s post to write, “praying for you.” And yet, despite Mildred’s passing, Joe was stuck with opposing feelings inside: “My cousins believe she waited for me and for that I’m eternally grateful. But I’m devastatingly heartbroken nonetheless,” he writes.

“I moved in with her when I was in High School and she helped raise me. She stepped in again as a mom when my own mother went to be with Jesus,” recalled Lee in his post while also expressing his sadness at how he’s now left alone in this world. Understandably, Quincy wanted to make sure that his coach wasn’t all by himself as he grieved for his deceased aunt. But will Quincy Wilson be able to help Lee keep his head above the waters like the former has done for the Olympic prodigy?

Quincy Wilson is lucky to have an anchor keeping his feet on the ground

Joe Lee has been the kick that has propelled Wilson to stardom. Adjusting to the teenager’s work style and ethics, Lee has managed to bring out the best in his students. Thanks to his mentorship, Wilson now holds the best timing in the U18 400m (44.20, achieved at the Holloway Pro Classic in Gainesville, Florida this year). The emphatic run culminated at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Quincy won the 4x400m relay gold along with Team USA’s stars like Rai Benjamin and Vernon Norwood. But a significant portion of the massive feat also should be attributed to Lee’s unconventional coaching style.

“You coach so you can make a difference. So that’s why; maybe it’s why I didn’t sit there and just kind of like soak it up,” Joe said about his animated self while working with Wilson and others like Olympic gold medalist Masai Russell. And watching Quincy blossom into a fantastic track star, Lee couldn’t be prouder as his coach. Noting how the high schooler also inspires others, Joe said, “He’s a phenomenal student and an outstanding role model for his peers. He does great off the track in the classroom and on the track, so we’re super proud of him.”

After Wilson placed fourth at the US Olympic Team Trials in Hayward Field, Lee was evidently emotional by watching the young Turk go toe-to-toe with the best that the country has to offer. “We have great time we have fun and obviously worked hard and uh nobody works harder than this young man and he deserves everything he gets. I just have the front row seat and I am excited to be part of it,” said the coach about how it’s been a ride to remember with Wilson. But now, as he faces turmoil of his own, can Quincy help his colleague find peace and not let the sorrow overwhelm his emotions? Share your message for the grieving Lee family in the comments.