Maryland breeds Olympians by the dozen. The Free State is called home by a long list of athletes who represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Among them, 16-year-old Quincy Wilson is undoubtedly one of the more popular stars to come out of the state. The high schooler became one of the youngest Olympic gold medalists for the country just weeks ago in the City Of Love. And now, it looks like his stellar feat has bagged him one more special honor.
In his recent Instagram story, Wilson unveiled the notable task on his plate for the moment. The IG story shows Wilson perfecting his pitching skills for a unique responsibility. The Baltimore Orioles will host the Houston Astros this Sunday, and the 400m specialist will be part of a special pre-game ceremony. From the looks of things, Wilson will throw the first pitch and mark the official start of the game. However, Quincy won’t be the only Olympic athlete to bring the fans to Oriole Park this weekend.
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The Prince George’s County resident will be joined by the likes of wrestler Kyle Snyder, skateboarder Ruby Lilley, and boxer Jahmal Harvey in Camden Yards. All of these stars hail from the state of Maryland and have done impressively well at this year’s biggest sporting tournament at the French capital. While Wilson did not run in the men’s 4x400m final at the 2024 Summer Games, he helped the team book its place in the event by lending his speeds in the Heats. Naturally, when Rai Benjamin anchored Team USA in the final leg of the final race, he also ensured golden hardware for Wilson by extension.
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Polls of the day
What do you think is the most impressive aspect of Quincy Wilson’s journey?
Support from his hometown
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Do you think Noah Lyles could have been a successful NFL player?
Maybe, but it’s a different game
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Do you think Anthony Edwards’ performance in the Paris Olympics will boost his NBA career?
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Do you think Hunter Woodhall’s escape from a Paralympics ban was justified?
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Considering the massive milestones the young Turn has crossed in the weeks leading up to the 2024 Olympics, we can only posit that he deserves all the things coming his way now that the quadrennial tournament has concluded.
Quincy Wilson has what it takes to step into the club with the elite stars
“Most kids are afraid to push through unknown barriers. He doesn’t even have barriers,” Wilson’s coach Joe Lee had said about the Olympian months ago, and the high schooler went on to prove the point several times over. Over the months of 2024, Quincy broke the U18 and U20 men’s 400m record several times. Wilson broke both the indoor and outdoor records in the distance and put the entire track and field on alert. At the US Olympic Team Trials too, the teen dished out performances that earned him his seniors’ applause. After Wilson finished sixth in the 400m final at Hayward Field, Eugene, hurdle specialist Rai Benjamin was heard saying the former should be at least given a chance to represent the country at the Paris Olympics in the relays considering the titillating show he put up.
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While going toe-to-toe with the big boys can be intimidating, Quincy managed to keep his head in the game by making himself understand the stakes. “I was like, ‘You’ve only got one chance. This is the last final’,” he said after his emphatic performance at the US Team Trials final. Now that he’s back as an Olympic gold medalist, people from all walks of life can’t wait to become his acquaintances. Just days ago, Wilsin was spotted mingling with iconic rapper Jay-Z at a party. But while the sprinter gets used to the glamor that his feat on the grandest stage has brought, he can’t believe that he really has to go back to school in just a few days. How do you think he’s going to cope with all the attention that’s hovering over his head right now? Tell us!
