Superman has the power, but it’s what he does with it that makes him a hero. That’s exactly what Quincy Wilson proved at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At just 16, he became the youngest U.S. track and field Olympian, but it wasn’t just his raw talent that made him stand out—it was how he used it when the stakes were high. The pressure was on, and despite the hamstring injury Wilson received, he came out and competed as hard as he could in the first leg of the 4 x 400m relay.

Wilson’s opening leg was not very impressive, he decelerated at the last 150m, recording 47.27 secs, three seconds shy of his record personal best. Nevertheless, he handed the baton to Vernon Norwood who produced a very good 43.54 secs solo effort to bring the team close again. Ultimately, Bryce Deadmon and Christopher Bailey brought the U.S. team home in 2:59.15 to finish and win silver in the process behind Botswana and Team GB. With it, they set a new Olympic record in the event with a time of 2:54.43, and as a member of the team, Wilson got to bring home the gold with them as well.

As a viewer sitting in the stands, Quincy Wilson could only be happy and shout for his teammates while he erupted into celebration after they won. His contribution in the previous game may not have been the quickest but it was decisive in taking the U.S. to the final and thus the gold medal. Wilson as any other athlete had his fair share of trials when making his way to the Olympics. By the time of the games, he had already set the record of Darrell Robinson one that had been set in 1982 when he did 44.66 in the qualifying round and then 44.59 in the semifinals to earn a spot in the final.

Quincy Wilson failed to clinch a top spot, finishing only sixth in 44.94 but his effort was good enough to earn him a slot in the U.S 4x400m relay team. And when that journey was completed and the U.S. team secured the gold, Wilson was there and that’s what this dream Team was all about, even though he wasn’t on the field.  Recently, Wilson recalled the memory with NBC when he was given the title of the youngest male track and field gold medalist, he said, “When I put it around my neck, tears almost came down my eyes. Last year, sitting in this school, I wouldn’t even think that I would be in the Olympics getting a gold medal. Knowing that I am a gold medal Olympic champion, the youngest to ever do it, means a lot.” But with it, the future begins well, as far as the future of this is concerned, it is as bright as a new appearing star.

Quincy Wilson could be the face of Team USA at the 2028 Olympics

In early March 2024, Wilson participated in the competition for Maryland’s Bullis School and thereby performed an outstanding result of 400 meters in an indoor mode with a time dropping 45.76 sec, thus beating the under-18 world record. Only some months later, at the Olympic trial, he also broke the under-18 world record in the 400m event with a time of 44.20sec. Wow! That is really fast for him, especially being as young as he is. Soon, coaches from USA Track & Field discovered him, and, boom, Quincy found himself on the U.S. Olympic team heading for Paris 2024. The routine that he follows makes him a star is quite clear.

Quincy Wilson wakes up at 5 in the morning, a 90-minute’ drive to Bullis School, then, normal lessons such as precalculus, and advanced engineering among others. Yet despite all this, he is a very humble fellow and is recognized as a hearty captain of his track team. As soon as he leaves school he proceeds to practice where he motivates other players as well as improves himself. As a student-athlete, Quincy states “Athletics isn’t guaranteed, but no one can take away my education.” It goes without saying, the kid has got it in him. If he continues with such effort, he can be the clear favorite for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.