The energy at the Puma East Coast International Showcase in Landover, Maryland, was electric. On May 3, 2025, everyone in the stands were buzzing with anticipation, expecting Quincy Wilson to roll over the competition in the 400m like he’s done so many times before. After all, Wilson, the 17-year-old phenom, holds the U18 men’s 400m world record at 44.20, set in August 2024 at the Holloway Pro Classic. But then, Jayden Horton-Mims did the unthinkable.

In a blazing 45.24 seconds, he surged across the finish line, leaving Wilson in his dust and sending shockwaves through the track world. For fans, this wasn’t just a race—it was a moment that screamed, “There’s a new contender in town!” So, who is Jayden Horton-Mims, and how did he pull off this stunner?

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Horton-Mims has been quietly building a reputation as a versatile sprinter, competing as an unattached athlete in events like the 100m, 200m, 300m, and 400m, both indoors and outdoors. His profile shows a young athlete who’s no stranger to high-level competition, frequently racing at venues like the Armory Track & Field Center in New York. But it was at the Puma East Coast International where he truly announced himself. The MileSplit YouTube video, titled “Horton-Mims for the Win! 45.24 400m to beat Quincy Wilson,” captures the moment perfectly—Horton-Mims in a bright yellow Nike kit, powering down the final stretch with a focus that belied the pressure of the moment. That 45.24? It wasn’t just a win, it was a huge statement. But who is this rising star, anyway?

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy for him; his journey has been all about steady improvement and pure grit. Just take a look at his profile online, and you’ll see a runner who’s been working on his speed at different race lengths: an 11.22 in the 100m, a 21.04 in the 200m, and now that absolutely jaw-dropping 45.24 in the 400m. Those numbers aren’t just stats on a list – they’re solid proof that his hard work is really paying off.

That Puma East Coast International wasn’t his first go-around, but man, was it loud! He was up against Wilson, who’s been seen as a track prodigy ever since he broke the U18 400m record at the 2024 Olympic trials, and Horton-Mims met the challenge head-on. That MileSplit video, which got hundreds of views in just nine hours, shows him holding his form, leaning into the finish, and claiming victory. It makes you wonder: how does a young runner like him handle the weight of a race that means so much?

What is at stake 

Let’s talk about the stakes here. Quincy Wilson has been the talked-about star in American track, getting onto the U.S. Olympic 4×400 relay team and signing a sponsorship deal with New Balance – all when he was only 16! Horton-Mims isn’t just following others; he’s carving his own path, and that win in Maryland was a massive deal. The 400m is a grueling event that demands speed, stamina, and real mental toughness. Horton-Mims showed he’s got all those things and then some, beating out a field that included one of the best young runners around.

That win wasn’t only about beating Wilson—it was about proving he belongs with the best. So, what’s next for this Pennsylvania sprinter as he eyes track history?

For fans, Horton-Mims is the kind of underdog you just can’t help but root for. He’s not a big famous name yet like Wilson, but performances like this one are changing that fast. With the possibility of breaking Wilson’s American high school record, every race is a chance to do something historic. The Puma East Coast International? That was a huge moment – it really put Horton-Mims in the spotlight.

As he keeps competing in 2025, maybe even running back at places like the Armory, the question isn’t just if he can break that 44.20 mark anymore. It’s all about how soon he’ll do it. Could Jayden Horton-Mims be the one who totally changes the 400m for this new generation? We’ll be glued to every race, just waiting to find out.