A 16-year-old from Maryland named Quincy Wilson broke a 42-year-old world record twice in three days in an incredible feat of athletic grace. In addition to winning his position in the men’s 400-metre final on Monday, June 24, this sprinting phenom is enthralling spectators at the U.S. Olympic team trials in Eugene, Oregon.
He broke the under-18 world record held by Darrell Robinson since 1982 with two incredible runs, a staggering 44.66 in the opening round and an even more astounding 44.59 in the semi-finals.
“I’ve been working for this moment,” he said.
“Forty-two years… that record stood for 42 years! It means a lot to me to be able to break it. I’ve been staying longer after practices, coming in before practices… I’m just excited for myself, ” Wilson was quoted as saying by Olympics.com
Wilson, a young track giant, is eyeing a historic Olympic debut.
Wilson is in a position to win a berth on the coveted 400-metre squad.
Leading the talented field is Michael Norman, the 2022 world champion, accompanied by seasoned Olympians Vernon Norwood and Quincy Hall, the current world bronze medallist.
Olympic historians point out that if Wilson wins, he will become the youngest American to compete in track and field at the Olympics since Cindy Gilbert in 1972. He will also be the youngest male Olympic runner in history.
“All I’m doing is heart,” Wilson said. “Most 16-year-olds would get scared when it comes to the big competitors, so I’m running for my life out there.”
“I have a lot of things that I can do to improve for the final,” he added. “I think I have great things for the final. I can’t wait for it.”