Quincy Wilson, the youngest American male track Olympian, has announced his commitment to the University of Maryland. This decision follows his remarkable achievement of winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was a member of the U.S. 4×400-meter relay team. The announcement was made on Monday, with Wilson choosing Maryland over other top contenders, including South Carolina, USC, Texas A&M, and UCLA.
At just 16 years old, Wilson, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland, made headlines by leading off the men’s 4x400m in preliminary heats, earning a gold medal as the heat runners were awarded medals even if they did not compete in the final. His achievements extend beyond the Olympics; he also holds the under-18 world record in the 400 meters, showcasing his potential as one of track and field’s brightest rising stars.
A Promising Career Ahead
Now 17, Wilson is entering his senior year at the Bullis School and has already earned the title of 2024 USA Track & Field Youth Athlete of the Year. His coach at Maryland, Andrew Valmon, expressed excitement about Wilson’s commitment, stating, “Quincy is a generational athlete who has the upside to continue to thrive at the top of our sport.” Valmon, a former Olympian himself, co-owns the 4×400 world record set at the 1993 World Championships and has a distinguished history in track and field, having won Olympic gold in both 1988 and 1992.
Wilson’s performance in the 400 meters is impressive, with a personal best of 44.10 seconds, a U.S. high school record, and the second-fastest time ever recorded by an under-20 athlete. In February 2024, he achieved the second-fastest high school boys’ indoor 600 meters time in history at 1:17.36.
Historic Achievements and Future Prospects
During the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 2024, Wilson broke the under-18 world mark in both the preliminaries and semifinals with times of 44.66 and 44.59, respectively. His sixth-place finish in the final secured his spot on Team USA for the Olympics in Paris, solidifying his status as a top competitor.
In a significant milestone, Wilson signed a name, image, and likeness deal with New Balance at just 15 years old, making him one of the youngest American athletes to enter into such an agreement. As he prepares for his collegiate career, Wilson’s combination of talent, dedication, and local support from Maryland positions him well for future success.
With Wilson’s commitment, the University of Maryland adds a promising athlete to its track and field program, one who has already made a significant impact on the sport at a young age. The excitement surrounding his future endeavors continues to grow as he transitions from a high school standout to a collegiate athlete, with the potential for even greater achievements on the horizon.
