By: Claire Zhou

Quincy Wilson, a 16 year old from Gaithersburg, Maryland, might just be making history at the Olympic Trials. In just 44.59 seconds, he ran the 400 resulting in the fastest time ever run by an American 18 or younger. He broke the old record time of 44.66, set by Darrell Robinson of Tacoma, Washington.

Wilson is a high school superstar, fastest on the track, and the son of a military family of athletes. He’s clearly learned all about perseverance, determination, and focus from his family.

“I’ve never been this happy a day in my life when it came to track. I’ve been working for this moment,” Wilson said, “That record that I broke two days ago, that’s 42 years of nobody being able to break that record. And I broke it twice in two days.”

At 5 foot and 9 inches, Wilson is considered small compared to fully grown men, and has the least experience out of all his opponents. But he still powers on and continues fighting with every step he takes, bringing him closer to victory.

Bryce Deadmon, 6 foot 3 inches at 27 years old, an Olympic world champ had the inside position when racing with Wilson. On the other side of the 16 year old was Vernon Norwood, a 6 foot and 2 inches professional athlete, who won NCAA titles.

“Someone at 16 years old, supposing the mindset of mere mortal teens. They’re most likely to get scared when they go against big competitors. Vernon is 32 years old. I’m 16. I’m half his age. So I’m just running for my life,” Wilson said.

Pushing through, Wilson makes history.