
via Imago
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 02: Quincy Wilson of the United States runs a victory lap after winning the mens 400m in the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 2, 2025, at the TRACK at new balance in Boston, MA. Wilson set a new high school national record in the indoor 400m with a time of 45.66. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire TRACK & FIELD: FEB 02 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25020225

via Imago
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 02: Quincy Wilson of the United States runs a victory lap after winning the mens 400m in the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on February 2, 2025, at the TRACK at new balance in Boston, MA. Wilson set a new high school national record in the indoor 400m with a time of 45.66. Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire TRACK & FIELD: FEB 02 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25020225
“Once he fixes that form, he’ll be lightning fast.” That’s what many fans were saying back in March, across timelines, quote tweets, and comment sections. To some fans, Quincy Wilson’s stride looked slightly off. Many pointed fingers at his arm mechanics, claiming his hand movement wasn’t up to par. And when he suffered back-to-back defeats at the Pepsi Florida Relays in April, the criticism only intensified. But on June 21, Quincy Wilson let his performance do the talking, only for the fans to change their stance once and for all…
In a jaw-dropping performance at the New Balance Nationals outdoor final, Quincy Wilson blazed to a 45.37-second finish in the boys’ 400m, leaving the competition far behind. It was his sixth national title in the event, gathered over just three years. His dominance was undeniable: Jayden DeLeon, the runner-up, clocked in at 46.33 — nearly a full second behind. And just like that, the narrative shifted.
Not a single word about flawed form. No debate over hand motion. No drama with rival Andrew Salvodon. Instead, timelines lit up with praise. One viral comment simply read: “He fixed his arm motion!” — a line that echoed the sentiment Olympic champion Justin Gatlin had expressed months earlier: “Allow him to go out, find his rhythm. He’s running times that are superior. He’s winning races when it’s necessary and in their big moments.” With every stride, Quincy Wilson proved that growth speaks louder than critics — and that, sometimes, the best response is to let your performance do the talking. After the race, that satisfaction was expressed in Quincy’s voice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Quincy Wilson 🇺🇸 wins the NB Outdoor Nationals Boys 400m title in a time of 45.37s!
Jayden DeLeon was 2nd in 46.33s. pic.twitter.com/klTyZ2xFzH
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 21, 2025
AD
After the race, Quincy Wilson was greeted by none other than Parker Valby. But this time, the six-time NCAA champion wasn’t dressed to compete—she was holding a microphone, seizing the moment to grab Quincy’s first reaction. The Bullis High School star didn’t hold back: “I feel extra strong right now, so I’m super blessed. And y’all see it, I’m starting to work. My last 100 was a killer.” Parker followed up with a key question: “How does it feel to defend your title here?” Quincy’s response was short but powerful — “No, it feels good.” That simple statement spoke volumes, not just as a personal reflection, but as a message to everyone who doubted him.
As for the fans? They made it clear whose side they were on. Social media lit up with messages of support, with many rallying behind Wilson on X, applauding his growth, grit, and ability to rise above the noise.
Track fans shut down each criticism that followed Quincy Wilson
“Running a 46.3 as a high school kid and getting dusted must feel insane.” That one comment on X captured just how unreal Quincy Wilson’s performance was. A 46.3-second 400m is elite — enough to place an athlete among the top 500 in the world this season. And yet, it wasn’t enough to catch Quincy Wilson.
What’s your perspective on:
Did Quincy Wilson's critics jump the gun, or was his form truly holding him back?
Have an interesting take?
At just 17 years old, Quincy isn’t just putting up world-class times — he’s doing it while pushing through a storm of criticism and growing pressure. And he’s doing it with fans rallying behind him. One supporter posted simply, “like I knew it would….” — a quiet but powerful nod to faith rewarded. Quincy had said it himself before the meet: “The work isn’t done yet…” And when it mattered most, he showed exactly what that work looks like.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Still, the conversation around Quincy hasn’t just been about his speed — it’s been about his form. His arm mechanics, his efficiency. One fan spelled it out: “When this kid’s form improves, he will be unstoppable.” Another dropped a shot that hit with the force of a sprint start: “Where is that kid who thought he could beat him.” And that’s where things get interesting.
Because this wasn’t just any win — it was part of a brewing rivalry. Rewind to January at the 2025 VA Showcase. Quincy was expected to dominate the 500m — after all, he’d owned that event for years. But that night, someone else stole the spotlight. Andrew Salvodon.
Breathless after the race, Salvodon didn’t hesitate to make a statement: “Well, this used to be his own turf. It’s mine now.” That moment ignited a fire. The crown had shifted, and a new rivalry was born.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

via Imago
Track & Field: USATF Indoor Championships press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Feb 21, 2025 Staten Island, NY, USA Quincy Wilson during USATF Indoor Championships training session at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex. Staten Island Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex New York United States, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20250221_ajw_al2_248
Fast forward to Saturday’s Nationals final—the stage was set. Salvodon finished fourth with 46.47 seconds. Quincy? He dusted the field with a commanding 45.37—nearly a full second ahead of second place. The athlete didn’t just reclaim his turf; he redrew the map. Critics? Silenced. Rivals? Humbled. Quincy Wilson? Just getting started.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
"Did Quincy Wilson's critics jump the gun, or was his form truly holding him back?"