Imagine being 16 and already an Olympian. That’s exactly what Quincy Wilson pulled off, breaking Jim Ryun’s record from way back in 1964 when he was 17. But Quincy (now 17) didn’t get there on his own. Behind him was his family, cheering him on, and right at the heart of it all was his mom, Monique Wilson. She, too, was an athlete who used to play basketball and soccer, but when it came to Quincy’s dream, she went all out—doing everything possible, flipping every stone, making sure her son had every shot at success. So when it was Quincy’s turn to make her Mother feel special, he didn’t disappoint.

On May 11, Quincy Wilson took a moment to give his mom, Monique Wilson, the shoutout she truly deserves. For Mother’s Day, he shared a story on Instagram that included a collage of four photos. The first pic? Quincy gave his mom a big hug. Monique looked beyond proud, rocking a blue top and sunglasses, while Quincy was all smiles in a white shirt.

The second photo was from a cozy family moment, with Quincy, his mom, dad, and sister all piled on the couch in matching black holiday pajamas, chilling in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The third shot had Quincy and his mom outdoors under a gorgeous blue sky, just enjoying each other’s company. And the last photo showed Quincy, medals draped around his neck, standing proudly next to his mom, dressed in his uniform.

But what made the post even more special was Quincy’s caption: “happy mother’s day to the greatest person in the world! Thanks for always being there for me! ❤️ @mo_shondale” It was a simple but impactful gesture after all the sacrifices her mother made for him. And Monique Wilson was aware early on that her son Quincy Wilson possessed something uncommon.

Because she recognized his drive and ability early in his life, she put him into sports, beginning with soccer at just three years old. Seeing Quincy advance, Monique decided he would benefit from a more consistent routine, so she put him in the Fort Meade Highsteppers, a youth track-and-field team based on a Maryland military base. The team allowed Quincy to compete against stronger athletes, and when he was eight, he finished fourth in the 400m at the AAU Junior Olympics.

Monique and Roy, aware that the best coaching and facilities could help Quincy, moved their family from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Gaithersburg, Maryland, so he could study at Bullis, a school renowned for producing young athletes. Meanwhile, Monique took care of everything, making sure the family functioned well while Roy was away on submarine missions for the U.S. Navy.

After Quincy Wilson reached the Olympics, Monique’s obligations did not lessen. It was clear to her that her son was only 17, giving him much more room to develop both on the track and off. Meanwhile, with the world congratulating him on his Olympic success, Monique didn’t waver in her support, guiding him still, but for what?

Monique Wilson helps Quincy Wilson keep his feet on the ground

Despite his popularity growing, Monique Wilson is still fully involved in her son’s life, guaranteeing that academic goals always come first. Even as Quincy makes national headlines as the youngest American male track and field Olympian, Monique makes it clear that his studies are still the most important thing. She actively monitors his schoolwork, making sure he maintains an A average.

As she said, “We don’t just care how many races he’s won or records he’s broken. Hearing the head of school speak highly of Quincy made tears fall from our eyes,” highlighting her belief that education is just as important as athletic success. Beyond academics, Monique plays an essential role in keeping Quincy grounded despite his fame.

She has instilled strong family values, enforcing rules around discipline and keeping a sense of normalcy in their household.  Quincy reflects on their support, saying, “My mom has put everything into me, and my father as well. Just knowing you’re running for your family, running for you, and running for the one above, it’s a great thing.”

Monique ensures that Quincy remains humble by limiting screen time, encouraging household chores, and keeping a balanced routine. This approach has allowed Quincy to stay focused on his goals and enjoy the perks of success without losing sight of his roots. In moments of celebration, Monique takes immense pride not only in Quincy Wilson’s athletic achievements but also in his academic and personal growth.

She cherishes the recognition he receives from both his school and community. She proudly said, “I’ve seen him work tirelessly for both his education and his athletic dreams. His character is the biggest win.” Her support, both at track meets and in his personal life, continues to shape Quincy into a well-rounded individual, ready for the challenges ahead.