16-year-old Quincy Wilson to make Paris Olympics debut on US 4x400 relay

SAINT-DENIS, France — Quincy Wilson is set to make his Paris Olympics debut.

Wilson received word that he will take part in Team USA’s 4x400 relay team, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to discuss the relay team.

The men’s 4x400 relay begins Friday at 5:05 a.m. ET (11:05 local time).

Team USA will be in the first-round heat of the 4x400 relay. Wilson is expected to run in the opening round. Wilson will become the youngest American male to have ever participated in an Olympic track and field event.

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Wilson was originally selected on Team USA’s 4x400-relay pool after he finished sixth in the open 400 at the U.S. Olympic track and field trial.

The 16-year-old wonderkid broke the under-18 world record in the opening round of the 400, blazing one lap around the track in 44.66 seconds at the trials. Then Wilson bested the time in the semifinals, running a 44.59 to qualify for the finals. The high school record had stood for 42 years before Wilson shattered it twice within a matter of days.

Wilson, out of Bullis High School in Maryland, didn’t run on Team’s USA mixed 4x400-relay team that earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

The U.S. men's 4x400-relay team is the gold-medal favorite. They have won gold at the past two Olympics in the event.

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