Memphis, Tennessee, July 12, 2025 — At just 17 years old, Quincy Wilson delivered a performance that has cemented his place among the greatest young sprinters in track and field history. Competing at the Ed Murphey Track Classic in Memphis, Wilson clocked a stunning 44.10 seconds in the 400 meters, a time that ranks as the second-fastest ever run by an under-20 athlete. Only Olympic gold medalist Steve Lewis, who ran 43.87 seconds in 1988, sits ahead of him on the all-time U20 list.
Wilson’s achievement is the latest milestone in a meteoric rise that began when he burst onto the scene as a high schooler breaking national records. His Memphis race marks a significant personal best and caps a progression that has seen his times steadily drop from 45.13 seconds just over a year ago to 44.20 earlier this season, and now to 44.10. Each new performance has elevated his status within the sport and highlighted his remarkable consistency.
The young American first drew widespread attention in 2024 when he became the youngest male track and field Olympian in U.S. history, participating in the Paris Olympics at just 16. There, he helped secure gold for the U.S. in the 4×400 meter relay, proving he could compete at the highest level even as a teenager. That Olympic experience seems to have laid a strong foundation for his continued growth and maturity on the track.
Wilson’s rapid development has been closely managed by his coaching team, who emphasize patience and long-term planning. The aim has been to strike a balance between nurturing his immense talent and avoiding the burnout or injury that sometimes derails young athletes. Their approach appears to be paying off, as Wilson continues to perform at a level well beyond his years while staying grounded and focused.
Following his 44.10 run, Wilson received messages of support from across the track and field community. Veteran 400m runner Vernon Norwood, one of the top U.S. competitors in the event, texted Wilson to express his pride in the young sprinter’s accomplishment. Such endorsements underscore the level of respect Wilson has earned from his peers and the track world at large.
The Memphis performance is more than just a fast time. It signifies Wilson’s transition from a talented youth to a legitimate contender on the global stage. With the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, expectations are rising for what he can achieve as he matures into his prime. His ability to deliver under pressure and maintain a steep upward trajectory suggests he is well-positioned to become a major force in international competition.
For now, Wilson remains focused on the present, committed to refining his craft and staying healthy. His 44.10 performance may have been a breakthrough, but those close to him believe it is only a glimpse of what he is capable of achieving in the coming years.