Quincy Wilson's coach has explained how his track and field programme has ended up becoming one of the best in America as it helped produce two Olympic gold medallists in Paris this summer, including the teenage protege.
Joe Lee has transformed track and field at Bullis School, Maryland into his laboratory meticulously crafting one of the most formidable high school programmes in the nation.
As he enters his 12th year there, Lee's relentless attention to detail and unwavering commitment have propelled the school's track and field program to national prominence.
Under his leadership, both the boys' and girls' programs have flourished, producing numerous stars and capturing an astounding 14 conference championships since 2014.
This August, at the Paris Olympic Games, Lee’s dedication and hard work culminated in an extraordinary achievement: two of his athletes, Quincy Wilson and Masai Russell, won gold medals on the world’s biggest stage.
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Russell clinched gold in the women’s 110 meters hurdles, while Wilson contributed to the U.S. men's 4x400 meters relay team, which also took home gold after his crucial performance in the heats.
"I'm super proud. You really want to see the people who work hard and go after their goals to be rewarded at the highest level,” Lee shared with 7News before the Olympic Games.
His words reflect a deep understanding of the highs and lows that come with coaching.
“Coaching has its highs and lows. You have your good days and not-so-good days, but it's really about the ones who hang in there and stay resilient. Masai and Quincy are very resilient, they've been through a lot. To see their fight and their will, they have a heart of a champion."
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Lee’s success, however, is not solely his own. Over the years, he has built a strong support system within Bullis School, expanding from a humble beginning with just two parent volunteers on his coaching staff to a robust team of 12 skilled coaches. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in turning Bullis into a track and field powerhouse.
“It is not just me. We have great people who can come together, have a vision, have a goal, and do great things,” Lee emphasized in a separate interview with FOX 5 Washington DC. His modesty highlights the collective effort that has driven the program’s success.
Lee is particularly proud of the academic achievements of his athletes, which complement their athletic prowess. “The average GPA on our team is 3.9. Quincy is a 4.0 student.
“Never gotten a B in his life. Everybody talks about the gold medal and the accolades on the track, but he is a great person, and we try to surround ourselves with people who line up with that vision.”
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Having two Olympic gold medalists emerge from one program is an extraordinary feat, but Lee remains humble, recognizing the broader community that has supported the program’s growth. “It is kind of cool to have two gold medalists on one program, but all the families who put this program together, that is what makes this a fun experience, and I am just happy to be part of it.”
Joe Lee’s Bullis School program has become a beacon of excellence in high school athletics, not just for its success on the track but also for its commitment to developing well-rounded, resilient individuals.
With two Olympic gold medals now part of its legacy, the Bullis program under Lee’s guidance continues to set the standard for what a high school track and field program can achieve.