A 16-year-old’s attempt to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team in the 400-meter sprint fell short on Monday, but there is still a chance the Maryland high school student could receive an invitation to Paris this summer.
Quincy Wilson set a new record for the fastest 400-meter time by someone under 18 in history on Sunday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, running it in 44.59 seconds. He secured a spot in Monday’s final after posting the fourth-fastest time in the semifinals on Sunday.
In the final on Monday, Wilson finished in sixth place with a time of 44.94. He was 0.52 seconds behind Chris Bailey, who clinched the third and final guaranteed spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Quincy Hall (44.17 seconds) and Michael Norman (44.41 seconds) also qualified for the team in the 400-meter sprint.
Despite his sixth-place finish, U.S. Track & Field officials may still consider Wilson for the 4×400-meter relay team. A decision will be made after the conclusion of all Trials this weekend.
Wilson spoke to reporters about his experience at the Trials, saying, “It’s amazing; I have really worked towards this moment. When I was growing up, I was watching some of the biggest runners, Brandon Miller, Tyrese Cooper, and I asked my mom, ‘How do I get like that?’
If Wilson is chosen to compete in the Olympics, he will be the youngest American Olympic runner since Cindy Gilbert in 1972, and the youngest American male to compete in the Olympics.
Related stories:
Will the Seine River be safe to swim in for the Paris Olympics?
Sha’Carri Richardson sprints onto US Olympic team after winning 100 in 10.71 seconds
