Quincy Wilson, an extraordinary talent in track and field, has officially signed with the University of Maryland’s track and field program. The Gaithersburg native chose Maryland over several prestigious programs, including South Carolina, Southern California, Texas A&M, and UCLA. His decision comes at a time when he is celebrated as one of the most promising athletes in the United States, having recently emerged as the youngest male Olympian in U.S. history at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Maryland’s head coach, a distinguished former Olympic athlete, expressed his enthusiasm for Wilson’s potential, stating, “Quincy is a generational athlete who has the upside to continue to thrive at the top of our sport.” He emphasized the unmatched support system that Maryland offers, which aligns perfectly with Wilson’s growth as an athlete.
Wilson made headlines in 2023 with a series of remarkable performances, including winning the indoor 400-meter title at the New Balance Nationals in Boston with a time of 46.67 seconds. He also secured a second-place finish in the outdoor event later that year. His impressive personal best of 44.10 seconds in the 400 meters not only set the U.S. high school record but also marked the fastest time recorded by an athlete under 20 in history, as well as the best under-18 world record.
The following indoor season showcased Wilson’s brilliance further, where he nearly broke the national high school record for the 500 meters and recorded the second-fastest time ever for the high school boys’ 600 meters at the prestigious Millrose Games. He defended his 400-meter title at New Balance Nationals with a breathtaking national record of 45.76 seconds and played a crucial role in establishing a new national record in the 4×400-meter relay with his school.
During the 2024 outdoor season, Wilson’s remarkable journey continued. He had a standout performance at the Penn Relays and further demonstrated his prowess at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where he set under-18 world bests and finished sixth in the final. He solidified his status as a top contender in the sport by improving his under-18 world best time to 44.20 seconds.
Wilson’s career took a significant turn in 2023 when he became one of the youngest American athletes to secure a name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with a major sports brand. His signing with the University of Maryland places him among a growing list of high-profile local athletes choosing to compete for their home state school, joining recent signees like Baba Oladotun in men’s basketball and promising quarterback Malik Washington on the football team, who has already made a name for himself as one of the top freshman signal callers in the nation.
As Wilson joins a lineage of Maryland Olympians, including notable names like Renaldo Nehemiah and Chioma Onyekwere, he is poised to become a significant figure in collegiate athletics. His journey with the Terps marks an exciting chapter not just for him, but for Maryland’s storied track and field program, which continues to nurture future champions.