American men have competed in track and field at the Olympic Games for 128 years. However, never before has there been someone as young as Quincy Wilson. The 16-year-old will run a leg on the U.S. 4x400-meter relay team Friday inside Stade de France, his coach Joe Lee told NBC News. With that run, Wilson will become the youngest male U.S. track Olympian, eclipsing middle-distance runner Jim Ryun, who was 17 at the 1964 Olympics.

There is no guarantee Wilson will run in Saturday’s Olympic final; it is common for countries to alter their lineups between preliminaries and finals. Even at an Olympics where the youngest competitor is an 11-year-old Chinese skateboarder, and a 14-year-old Australian skateboarder has earned a gold medal, Wilson’s presence was remarkable given the strength and endurance required by his chosen event. The 5-foot-9 Wilson, however, had proven himself in recent months by not only dominating in the 400 against his high school peers while at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, but producing one of the most stunning performances at the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, in June, running a sub-45-second 400 in three consecutive rounds and finishing sixth in the final. 

Wilson's journey to the Olympics started at a young age. After finishing fourth in the 400 at the AAU Junior Olympic Games when he was 8 years old, he returned the next year and won the first of his five national championships. His talent was undeniable, and his passion for the sport only grew stronger with time. He has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the 400-meter race, consistently breaking records and exceeding expectations.

Wilson's performances have attracted significant attention in the track and field world. He is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young athletes to watch, and his participation in the Paris Olympics is generating a buzz. At a meet in Florida on July 18, Wilson lowered the Under-18 world record to 44.20 and outkicking a field of professionals. The time ranks as the world’s 11th-fastest time of the season, fourth-fastest by an American, and would have been good enough for sixth in Wednesday’s Olympic 400-meter final.

The showing led USA Track & Field to include him in the pool of runners eligible to run on a U.S. relay in Paris. Making the relay pool only certifies an athlete is an option for U.S. coaches to consider, however. When Wilson wasn’t chosen to run on the mixed 4x400-meter team that eventually won silver, the teenager’s opportunities to don the U.S. jersey dwindled.

Wilson’s emergence on the global stage has sparked significant expectations entering the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Before he can start an Olympic encore, however, he must begin his junior year of high school. Wilson's participation in the Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone in his athletic journey and a testament to his exceptional talent. He is poised for a bright future in track and field and is expected to continue making history in the years to come.

Wilson's Olympic Debut

Quincy Wilson will have the opportunity to make his mark on the Olympic stage on Friday. He will lead-off the U.S. 4x400 relay team in the preliminaries, as confirmed by FloTrack. Wilson's presence on the team is a testament to his exceptional talent and the high regard in which he is held within the track and field community.

The Youngest Olympian

Wilson is set to become the youngest American male athlete to ever participate in an Olympic track and field event. His inclusion in the U.S. relay pool after a strong performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials solidified his place among the nation's top track athletes. Wilson's journey to the Olympics is a testament to his dedication and hard work, making him a role model for young athletes aspiring to achieve greatness.

What's Next for Wilson?

Wilson's Olympic debut is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. He is expected to continue dominating the 400-meter race and potentially expand his repertoire to other events. Wilson's future in track and field is bright, and his achievements are sure to inspire generations of aspiring athletes.

A Historic Moment

Wilson's participation in the Olympics is a historic moment, not only for him but also for American track and field. His presence on the team underscores the talent and depth of the sport in the United States, setting the stage for an exciting future. As Wilson continues to develop and progress, he is poised to become a major force in the sport for years to come, potentially establishing himself as a global icon in track and field.