From youth domination to senior success, Quincy Wilson is deriving more inspiration from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Teenage sensation Quincy Wilson has credited Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as his inspiration growing up, and hopes to emulate her journey of dedication and success.

The 17-year-old who specializes in the 400m and became the second youngest Olympic Gold medalist in track and field history at the Paris Games last summer, revealed he's motivated by the career progress of the hurdling queen from a talented teen prodigy to global iconic success.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Olympics, Wilson opened up about his idol growing up and why he's so determined to follow in her footsteps as he journeys in his young career.

"One Olympian that inspired me as a kid was probably Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone because of her work ethic and how she transitioned from a 16-year-old into what she has done so much and how she has changed the sport and made the best out of what she's done and how her faith has changed her into the woman she's been today. And now I want to be as a man, growing up into who I am," he said.

Wilson, at age 16, qualified for the men's 4x400m relay pool for the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the youngest American track & field male Olympian in history.

At the Games, Team USA won the gold medal in the event. Although Wilson only competed in the heats, by extension he also earned gold, becoming the second youngest track and field Olympic gold medalist in history.

Wilson is the current U18 world record holder in the 400m event, with his time of 44.10s set in July 2025 at the Ed Murphey Track Classic.