I wrote an article about Quincy Wilson’s chances of becoming an Olympian four months ago. By 16, Wilson has broken many high school and national records. Before coming to the Olympic Trials, Wilson only had a personal best of 45.13. Although that is unheard of for his age, he knew that he would need to run much faster if he wanted a shot at making it to Paris.
In the first rounds of the men’s 400-meter race, Wilson broke the U18 world record, clocking 44.66 seconds. After racing, Wilson expressed in an interview that he was excited to hear how loud his standing ovation was. He also addressed how love and support are what make him run faster, so he hoped that the positivity would continue through the second round.
His wish came true. The stadium erupted in cheers as he stepped on the track to qualify for the Trials 400-meter final. Wilson ran 44.59, breaking the U18 world record for the second time. His effort was good enough to advance him into the final.
Wilson contested the final and ran 44.94, earning him three sub-45-second races over four days. Unfortunately, his time did not place him in the top three, meaning he would not run the open 400-meter in Paris. However, 6th place put him in the conversation for being named to the relay pool, making him an Olympian if selected.
Ultimately, that choice is left up to the USATF relay coaches, who decide who has the strongest chance of earning Team USA a gold medal.
In an Instagram post last night, Wilson let the world know he received a phone call from the relay coaches with the great news that he was selected for the relay pool. This is a historical moment for Wilson for many reasons. He will be the youngest athlete since 1976 to race the 4×400-meter relay at the Olympics. If they decide to put him in the mixed 4×400-meter relay, he will be the youngest in history to contest the event.
Most importantly, Wilson will become the youngest U.S. male track and field Olympian.
Masai Russell Breaks Gail Dever’s Olympic Trials Record
EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 30: Bronze medalist Grace Stark, gold medalist Masai Russell, and silver .
If you ask a track and field fan what the hardest team to make, their answer will almost surely include the women’s 100-meter hurdles. Last season, the U.S. had six of the top ten women in the world. Competitors would have to go through former world record holder Keni Harrison and Olympic silver medalist Nia Ali to make this team.
Nike athlete Masai Russell made the world team with Harrison and Ali last year. Unfortunately, Russell did not make it through the world championship rounds, but she was adamant in her post-race interview about making a comeback. At the time, she called her shot at making the Paris Olympic team.
In blistering fashion, Russell won the U.S. title at Hayward Field running a new personal best and meet-record of 12.25 seconds in the event. This time broke the legendary Gail Dever’s 24-year-old meet-record which was 12.33 seconds. Russell’s success is not suspiring as she’s trained with the 60-meter hurdle world record holder Devynne Charlton for six years.
Following Russell to Paris will be Alaysha Johnson and Grace Stark. Johnson has dealt with health issues throughout her career, making it difficult for her to compete at times. Despite her setbacks, Johnson proves consistently that she can show up when the time is right. Stark broke her leg two years ago and had surgery. She is now an Olympian after facing a possible career-ending injury. All three women have a deep story that makes this moment special for them.
Leave a Reply