As America celebrates its 250 anniversary, PressBox and the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum are teaming up to look back at 250 years of Maryland sports history and highlight some of the local people and moments that changed the sports landscape.
By Brooklyn Jones
Quincy Wilson made history at just 16 years old when he became the youngest American male track and field Olympian of all time by competing for the U.S. in a men’s 4×400-meter preliminary race in Paris.
Wilson was born in Chesapeake, Va., but in his preteens Wilson’s family moved to Gaithersburg, Md., in order for him to attend the prestigious Bullis School in Potomac.
You may know Wilson as a decorated track athlete. However, he began playing football at a young age. Wilson stopped playing football during his freshman year of high school but came back for two games at the end of the season as a senior.
This past fall, Wilson helped contribute to a 13-12 win against Interstate Athletic Conference rival Georgetown Prep as a defensive back, recording an interception. This might have been the last time seeing Wilson on the gridiron as he turns his full focus to track and field. He is a versatile track athlete, running elite times in the 400-meter hurdles, 500-meter dash and 300-meter hurdles.
However, Wilson specializes in the long sprint 400-meter dash. Standing at 5-foot-9, Wilson is said to be undersized for the race. But he posted a blazing 44.1-second 400-meter dash time at Ed Murphy Classic in Memphis, Tenn., claiming the under-18 world record in the summer of 2025.
In 2024, at the age of 16, Wilson represented the U.S. by racing in the men’s track 4×400-meter relay in Paris. Wilson was the first leg of the preliminary relay race, often reserved for the fastest runner. He came home with a gold medal when the Americans won the 4×400-meter final.
Athleticism runs in the family. Wilson’s mother Monique was a decorated multi-sport athlete in high school at Severn. Graduating in ’96, she was a soccer and basketball star. Monique was the first female hoops player to score 1,000 points at Severn. She racked up all-county and all-metro honors in both sports. She then played soccer at Barton College (N.C.). Wilson’s father Roy was an athletic specimen in his own regard, playing four years of football at the U.S. Naval Academy before becoming a Navy Submarine officer.
Wilson’s sister Kadence is also a speedster and may have given her younger brother some tips on the 400-meter dash. She is a track runner at James Madison University, and in 2023 she was named third-team All-Sun Belt Conference in the 4×400-meter relay. Wilson’s cousin Shaniya Hall competed in track and field at the University of Oregon.
But athletic achievement is not all that is valued in the family. Wilson was recognized by Bullis for his academic performance as well, something that made his parents proud. Wilson’s mother has always been a source of motivation for him. At just 15, he held a New Balance shoe giveaway at a church, after which he credited his philanthropic ideas to his mother.
“She always encourages me to be my best self while competing and giving back to the community,” Wilson said.
What’s next for Wilson? Wilson held powerhouse track offers from the likes of UCLA and South Carolina but ultimately chose to stay home and committed to Maryland. He had an exciting reveal on Instagram, stating “I kept it PG” (Prince George’s County) on Nov. 24, 2025, a huge step in the right direction for Maryland athletics.
Not only is this a huge step for the Terps, but it is a huge step for young athletes from Maryland. As we examine Maryland athletic excellence throughout the past 250 years, Quincy Wilson’s story provides inspiration to local athletes.
Brooklyn is a rising senior at Ursinus College where he is studying English, Creative Writing, and is the captain of the Ursinus Bears Football Team. He is a Pigtown native and a 2026 Babe Ruth Museum summer intern.
For more Maryland sports history, visit PressBoxOnline.com/history
The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Babe Ruth and all Maryland sports. Visit the historic row home where George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born and discover treasures from Maryland’s storied sports heritage. Visitors can see the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V Trophy, Jessica Long’s 2004 Paralympic gold medal, Ruth’s rookie card, and so much more.
Located a short walk from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Babe Ruth Museum is open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 5:30 p.m. for Orioles evening home games.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox