Quincy Wilson, the 16-year-old breakout star of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, set a new record in the men’s 400 meters at the Holloway Pro Classic on Friday, keeping alive his hopes of making the 4 x 400 relay team in Paris.
Wilson broke the U-18 boys’ 400-meter world record and his own U.S. high school record in a time of 44.20 seconds to win the race at the American Track League meet in Gainesville, Fla. The Bliss School student beat out 2023 national champion Bryce Dedmon, who crossed the finish line in 44.23 seconds to take second place.
Wilson performed well at the U.S. Olympic Trials, winning the 400 meter heat in 44.66 seconds, breaking the under-18 record that had stood 42 years earlier, and then broke that record two days later in the semifinals in 44.59 seconds. His time dropped to 44.94 seconds in the final, but a strong final 100 meters helped him move into sixth place. He will head to Paris as one of six runners on the U.S. 4×400 relay team.
The top three finishers in the 400m final in the preliminary heats automatically qualify for the pool. Quincy Hall won gold, while Michael Norman and Chris Bailey came in second and third, respectively. They will compete for the U.S. in the 400m. Tradition dictates that Vernon Norwood, who placed fourth, gets one spot, and the other two are at the coaches’ discretion. The relay pool is designed to spread the load over the two rounds. The final, where the medals are contested, will feature the best athletes.
The relay teams are scheduled to be officially announced later this month, and Wilson is a sure bet: He is the youngest male track and field athlete to make the U.S. Olympic team and already has a non-negotiable contract with New Balance.
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