Youngest ever US track & field gold medalist Quincy Wilson overwhelmed in emotional address

Youngest ever US track & field gold medalist Quincy Wilson overwhelmed in emotional address

Mark Kinyanjui 20:00 - 14.08.2024

Wilson made history by becoming the youngest Olympic track and field champion in history at just 16.

American sprint sensation Quincy Wilson has expressed his delight at the overwhelming support he has received since making history by becoming the youngest track and field Olympic gold medalist in history.

At just 16 years old Wilson played a crucial role in Team USA's success in the 4x400m relay. 

Despite not racing in the final, his contribution during the heats was enough to earn him a gold medal, cementing his place in the history books. 

However, despite being in the relay pool, Wilson wasn't chosen to run on the mixed 4x400-meter team that eventually won silver, limiting his chances to represent the U.S. on the global stage.

 Yet, upon returning to the States, the young athlete was met with overwhelming support, a testament to the impact he has already made.

In a live interview with NBC, Wilson expressed his gratitude, saying, "It feels amazing. I can’t believe all the support coming here. It feels amazing to have represented my country and my state and most definitely put it on for the DMV."

He continued, "It is amazing. You want to be in the spotlight. A 16-year old athlete just coming out here and doing your best. 

You never knew you can come out and be this, so I am just excited, so thankful for the moment, every single person around here and giving back because that is what everyone did for me at this age."

Wilson's heartfelt thanks extended to all those who supported him, especially during the Olympic trials. 

"I want to thank every single person out there. I am pretty sure I got the message too right before I ran, and the 285 people that turned up to watch me run out there.

“ I just want to say thank you and I am so grateful for them because without their support, me and my teammates would not be where they are right now."

His journey to the Olympics was paved with extraordinary performances. Wilson dominated his high school peers at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, and made a statement at the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

 Running a sub-45-second 400 meters in three consecutive rounds, he finished sixth in the final, solidifying his status as a rising star.

Wilson's potential was further validated at a meet in Florida on July 18, where he shattered the Under-18 world record, clocking an astonishing 44.20 seconds.

 This time ranks as the 11th-fastest globally this season, the fourth-fastest by an American, and would have placed him sixth in the Olympic 400-meter final. His performance earned him a spot in the pool of runners eligible for the U.S. relay team in Paris.

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