Matthew Hudson-Smith heaps praise on 'generational' American wonderkid Quincy Wilson following meteoric rise which saw him become youngest-ever Olympic gold medalist in 2024
At just 16 years old, Quincy Wilson has already redefined what it means to be a young athlete in track and field.
The American sprinter's stellar 2024 season included record-breaking performances and historic achievements, leaving fans and experts alike in awe of his talent. Olympic 400-meter silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith, himself a former teenage sensation, believes Wilson is a "generational talent" with limitless potential.
Wilson's incredible journey began in March 2024, when he set an under-18 world best for the indoor 400 meters while competing for Maryland's Bullis School.
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By July, he had shattered the outdoor under-18 world best in the same event, simultaneously securing the American high school records for both indoor and outdoor 400 meters.
His prowess on the track earned him a spot in Team USA's 4x400-meter relay pool for the Paris Olympics, making him the youngest American male track and field Olympian in history. Although he only ran in the heats, Wilson played a vital role in Team USA's gold medal-winning performance, becoming the youngest track and field Olympic gold medalist ever.
Hudson-Smith, reflecting on Wilson's achievements, expressed admiration for the teenager’s potential, particularly after Wilson clocked a stunning 1:17 in the 600 meters at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic last December.
“He just ran 1:17 and he is not even 17 yet. For him, the sky is the limit,” Hudson-Smith said in an interview with RunnnSphere. “He is an amazing talent. He is generational. One person I compare him to is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in 2016 when she burst onto the scene.”
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Hudson-Smith did note, however, that Wilson faces unique challenges due to the depth of American sprinting talent.
“If he develops well, he will run 43 this year, which is crazy for a 17-year-old,” Hudson-Smith explained. “But the only issue is he is American.
“Even if he runs 43, he might not make the team because you have guys like Olympic champion Quincy Hall, Michael Terry, Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmond, and Champion Allison.”
Despite the stiff competition, Wilson remains undeterred. After his Olympic debut, he returned to school to focus on his studies while resuming training to prepare for upcoming challenges. His ambitions are clear: he wants to continue breaking records and making history.
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“Breaking those records meant everything to me,” Wilson said in a recent interview. “It’s not just about the timing—it’s about proving to myself and the world that I belong on this stage.”
With his sights set on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Wilson is prepared to work harder than ever to secure his place among the world's elite.