The Maryland runner is the youngest male U.S. Olympian for track and field, a record previously held by 17-year-old Jim Ryun in 1964
Quincy Wilson, at just 16 years old, is set to become the youngest male U.S. track and field Olympian ever after being named to Team USA’s relay team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Monday, July 1, Quincy shared the exciting news on his Instagram, proudly writing “WE GOING TO THE OLYMPICS #paris2024 #teamusa” alongside a joyous photo of himself celebrating on the track.
He didn’t stop there. On his Instagram Stories, he posted the same celebratory image, this time adding the heartfelt caption “I’m an Olympian.” Another image showed Quincy beaming in his official Team USA uniform.
Quincy’s selection comes after an impressive sixth-place finish with a time of 44.94 seconds in the 400m dash final at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. While he didn’t secure an automatic spot for the 400m dash, his performance was strong enough to earn him a place on the relay team.
Born on January 8, 2008, Quincy is currently a rising high school junior at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. His selection makes him the youngest U.S. Olympian for track and field, surpassing the previous record held by 17-year-old Jim Ryun in 1964. Cindy Gilbert was the youngest at just 15 years old back in 1972 for the Munich Summer Olympics, but Quincy now holds the male record.
Additionally, he surpasses Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the most recent youngest U.S. track and field Olympian, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics at 16 but celebrated her 17th birthday during the games.
The young track star made quite an entrance at the U.S. Olympic Trials by setting two remarkable world records. He first shattered a 42-year-old record in the under-18 400m dash with a time of 44.66 seconds during the quarterfinals on Friday, June 21. Just two days later, he outdid himself in the semifinals, finishing in an astonishing 44.59 seconds.
For those interested in following more stories about Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit TeamUSA.com and come back to people.com for continuous updates before, during, and after the games. Make sure to tune in to NBC and Peacock beginning July 26 to watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
