The four-time Olympic 400m champion was in awe of Quincy Wilson’s record-breaking prowess, which has seen him shatter the world under-18 400m record thrice in less than two months.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has lauded the efforts of youngster Quincy Wilson that saw him break the world under-18 400m record thrice in less than two months.
The four-time Olympic champion admitted that he had downplayed the abilities of Wilson but following his impeccable form this season, Johnson noted that the 16-year-old is primed for greatness.
Johnson explained that more often, commenting on rising stars means predicting how their careers would turn out, something he disclosed is not easy. However, he had to take his hat off for Wilson after his exploits at the Holloway Pro Classic.
Wilson oozed class as he shattered the world under-18 400m record, clocking 44.20 to win the race ahead of Bryce Deadmon and Matthew Boling who clocked 44.23 and 44.84 respectively.
Wilson’s time is not only the world under-18 record but it also makes him the second fastest U20 athlete of all-time. The last time an under-20 athlete ran faster was when Steve Lewis 🇺🇸 set a World Junior Record of 43.87 to win the Olympic title in 1988.
Meanwhile, Wilson began his record-breaking prowess at the U.S. Olympic trials, where he broke the record twice. He started by shattering the record in the 400m preliminaries, cutting the tape in 44.66.
Wilson then broke his own record in the semifinal, clocking 44.59 to finish third before fading to sixth in the final of the race. He clocked 44.94 to finish the race. Wilson is also America’s youngest track and field athlete to make the Olympic team after being included in the men’s 4x400m relay pool.
Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri will be taking a different approach in the Paris Olympic Games as she competes in the marathon.
Obiri was selected in the team alongside defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and Sharon Lokedi and has admitted that triumphing over her compatriots will be a tough ordeal.
Speaking to Nation Sport, the reigning New York City Marathon champion insisted that she knows every competitor has trained well and prays for good health and fitness as she eyes her first Olympic gold medal.
