Running News Daily

Sprint Showdowns and Distance Battles to Take Center Stage at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, is set to deliver thrilling track action in Boston on Sunday (Feb 2), with an elite lineup of global gold medalists ready to ignite the indoor season. The competition will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 in March.

Sprints and Hurdles: Lyles and Alfred Lead the Charge

Olympic and world sprint sensation Noah Lyles returns to defend his 60m title, after setting a meeting record of 6.44 last year. Lyles, who claimed 100m gold and 200m bronze at the Olympics, kicked off his season with a 6.62 win in Gainesville last weekend. He will face Trayvon Bromell (USA), Zharnel Hughes (GBR), and 2022 world indoor champion Marcell Jacobs (ITA), who is making his North American indoor debut.

In the women’s 300m, Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred steps up in distance for her New Balance Indoor Grand Prix debut. After winning world indoor 60m gold in Glasgow, Alfred took 100m gold and 200m silver at the Olympics and ended last season with a Diamond League Final victory. She faces a competitive field including 2019 world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) and USA’s Lynna Irby-Jackson.

The men’s 300m features Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist Rai Benjamin. A past winner in Boston, Benjamin is set to battle 4x400m relay star Vernon Norwood and Matthew Boling.

The 60m hurdles events promise fireworks, with world record-holder Devynne Charlton (7.65) and Olympic champion Masai Russell renewing their rivalry. Russell edged Charlton in their recent clash in Lubbock, but the Bahamian sprinter leads their head-to-head series 8-2. Joining them are Olympic finalists Ackera Nugent, Grace Stark, and 2018 world indoor silver medallist Christina Clemons.

For the men, world record-holder Grant Holloway (7.27) looks to extend his 10-year unbeaten streak in the 60m hurdles. The Olympic and world champion headlines the field alongside Olympic finalist Freddie Crittenden and 2022 world silver medallist Trey Cunningham.

Middle and Long Distance Races: Olympic Medalists Face Off

The women’s 3000m sees Olympic 1500m silver medalist Jessica Hull (AUS) take on Great Britain’s Olympic bronze medalist Georgia Bell. Hull, the defending champion, set an Oceanian indoor record of 8:24.93 in this event last year. They are joined by USA’s Parker Valby, Emily Mackay, Elise Cranny, Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu, Italy’s Sintayehu Vissa, and Olympic steeplechase medalist Emma Coburn.

In the men’s 1500m, USA’s Grant Fisher (Olympic 5000m and 10,000m bronze medalist) takes on 2022 world champion Jake Wightman (GBR), Oliver Hoare (AUS), and Josh Hoey, who recently broke the North American 1000m record.

Bryce Hoppel, the reigning world indoor 800m champion, leads the men’s 800m field, while Hobbs Kessler, Cameron Myers, Neil Gourley, and Andrew Coscoran battle in the 3000m.

Other Key Events

Women’s 60m: Mikiah Brisco (USA) and Zoe Hobbs (NZL) lead the field.

Men’s 400m: 2022 world indoor champion Jereem Richards (TTO) races USA’s Quincy Wilson.

Women’s 500m: Dutch 4x400m Olympic champion Lisanne de Witte takes on USA’s Olympic 800m medallist Raevyn Rogers.

Women’s Mile: Heather MacLean (2023 winner) faces Olympic finalist Susan Ejore, Maia Ramsden, and Sage Hurta-Klecker.

With an electrifying lineup of Olympic and world champions, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix promises high-stakes racing and a preview of the talent heading to Nanjing 25.

(01/31/2025) Views: 333 ⚡AMP
by Boris Baron

'I'll be back in the 757!'-Quincy Wilson makes huge waves with emotional return announcement for 2025 season

Quincy Wilson is set to return to the track, announcing his first race since his Olympic triumph in Paris.

America's teenage sprint sensation Quincy Wilson has announced his highly anticipated return to the track, months after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

The 16-year-old athlete revealed that he will be making his first appearance at the VA Showcase in Virginia Beach, Virginia, marking a new chapter in his remarkable athletic journey.

Wilson, who skyrocketed to fame in the track world earlier this year, first caught the spotlight during the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships.

His performances throughout the season were nothing short of extraordinary, setting new personal bests in the 400m and establishing himself as one of the top junior athletes in the country.

Wilson made his mark at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, held at Hayward Field, where he captivated fans with his speed and determination.

"I'll be back in the 757!!" Wilson wrote on Instagram, announcing his return to competition.

His words stirred excitement among fans, as the VA Showcase will be his first race of 2025 and the track community is eager to see how he builds on his remarkable success.

Wilson's commitment to returning to the track after his historic Olympic achievement is a testament to his relentless pursuit of greatness.

At the U.S. Olympic Trials, Wilson made history by breaking the U18 400m World Record twice, stunning the track world with his incredible performances.

Despite finishing sixth in the finals, his efforts earned him a spot on the U.S. team for the 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics.

There, the team claimed the gold medal, and Wilson became the youngest U.S. male athlete to win an Olympic gold in track and field.

Since the Olympics, Wilson has taken time to reflect on his journey, concluding his season and focusing on other aspects of his life, including college visits.

“I want to take a moment to speak to everyone out there who's faced doubt or fear. One of my most important lessons I've learned is to never ever doubt yourself. Believe in yourself. It's the foundation of everything, whether it's sports, life, or anything you pursue,” Wilson wrote, inspiring countless fans and aspiring athletes.

“There were many times when I didn’t know if I could make it, but I learned that if you trust yourself, keep working, and stay focused on your goals, the possibilities are endless,” he continued.

This empowering message resonated with many of his followers, reinforcing his belief in the importance of self-confidence and perseverance.

In recognition of his incredible accomplishments throughout 2024, Wilson was named the USATF Youth Athlete of the Year.

This prestigious award highlighted his growth as an athlete, his unwavering determination, and his contributions to U.S. track and field.

At the ceremony, he took the opportunity to express his gratitude, thanking his family, friends and coach for their continuous support.

(12/17/2024) Views: 271 ⚡AMP
by Festus Chuma

American teen sprint star Quincy Wilson to make Olympic debut in relay

Quincy Wilson will reportedly lead off the U.S. men's 4x400m relay team in Friday's heats.

American teenage sprint sensation Quincy Wilson, the youngest track and field athlete at the Paris Olympics, is set to make his Olympic debut as he will reportedly lead off the U.S. men’s 4x400m relay team in Friday morning’s heats.

Wilson’s selection comes after he was notably left out of the USA’s mixed 4x400m team, a decision that drew criticism after the Americans had to settle for silver in the final, despite breaking the world record in the heats without him. The U.S. men’s 4x400m relay team will be strong favourites for Olympic gold, especially after Quincy Hall’s electrifying performance to win the men’s 400m gold on Wednesday at the Stade de France.

The 16-year-old from Maryland earned his spot in the U.S. Olympic team with a sixth-place finish in the men’s 400m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. This season, Wilson has shattered the U18 world 400m record three times, most recently lowering it to 44.20 seconds at the Holloway Pro Classic in Florida two weeks ago.

At just 16 years and 176 days old, Wilson became the youngest American male track athlete ever named to the U.S. Olympic Team, surpassing 200m sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who was 17 when he made the U.S. team for Tokyo 2020. Remarkably, Wilson, who just completed his sophomore year at the Bullis School in Potomac, Md., reportedly doesn’t even have his driver’s license yet.

The decision to have Wilson lead off the relay may have been driven by caution, as the U.S. Olympic relay coach Mike Marsh likely wanted to minimize the risk of a botched handoff, given his lack of prior relay experience on the international stage.

The first round of the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays will go on Friday morning at 11:05 a.m. local time (5:05 a.m. ET).

 

(08/08/2024) Views: 445 ⚡AMP
by Cameron Ormond

Teenage sprint phenom lowers his U18 world record again

Quincy Wilson, the 16-year-old American track and field phenom, has broken his U18 world record in the men’s 400m for the third time this year. On Friday night in Gainesville, Fla., Wilson ran his final race before heading to Paris to compete on Team USA’s 4x400m relay team, blazing to a jaw-dropping win in 44.20 seconds.

Wilson edged out 2020 Olympic relay gold medalist and 2023 U.S. champion Bryce Deadmon at the finish line by three-one hundredths of a second. His time lowered his previous personal best and world record by nearly half a second, making him the eighth-fastest sprinter in the world this year.

Earlier this month, Wilson became the youngest American male track athlete to be named to the U.S. Olympic Team at 16 and 176 days, surpassing 200m sprinter Erriyon Knighton, who made the U.S. Olympic team at 17 for Tokyo 2020. Wilson just finished his sophomore year (Grade 10) at the Bullis School in Potomac, Md., and reportedly doesn’t even have his driver’s license yet.

Regarding Wilson’s chances of racing in Paris, this record-setting performance complicates the decision for U.S. relay coaches for the 4x400m team. Currently, his time is the third-fastest among the six men on the team. Michael Norman, who is ranked behind Wilson on time, will likely be given the fourth spot ahead of Wilson since he finished ahead of him at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June.

To keep Norman, Quincy Hall and Vernon Norwood fresh for the men’s 400m heats, semis and finals (+ men’s relay), we will likely see Wilson make his Olympic debut in the mixed 4x400m relay on Day 2 of the athletics program.

(07/23/2024) Views: 543 ⚡AMP
by Marley Dickinson

Quincy Wilson: 5 things you need to know about America's youngest track Olympian

Five things you need to know about Quincy Wilson, a 16-year-old protege set to represent Team USA in the 4 by 400m of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

America's teenage sprint sensation Quincy Wilson has taken the track world by storm, setting records and captivating audiences with his speed and determination.

At just 16 years old, he has already secured his place in history as the youngest U.S.-born male to compete in track and field at the Olympics.

As he gears up for his debut on the Olympic stage, here are five crucial things you need to know about this extraordinary athlete as per NBC.

1. A prodigy from a young age

Quincy Wilson began his track and field journey at the tender age of eight. Growing up in Chesapeake, Virginia, Quincy quickly outpaced his peers, prompting his family to move to Potomac, Maryland, where he could benefit from a superior athletic program at Bullis School.

Despite his youth, Quincy has already shown a prowess that rivals seasoned athletes.

At just 16, he broke records that many would not dream of approaching until well into their careers.

He clinched his first national title at the 2023 New Balance Indoor Nationals in the 400m competing as the only freshman in the field.

2. A family of athletes

Quincy's athletic prowess is no coincidence; it runs in the family as parents, Monique and Roy Wilson, were both collegiate athletes.

Monique excelled in soccer and basketball, while Roy played football for the Naval Academy.

The influence of his family extends beyond just genetics. The Wilsons have been integral in providing support and guidance throughout Quincy's career, attending his meetings and ensuring he has the resources needed to succeed.

Quincy also draws inspiration from his older sister, Kadence, who runs track at James Madison University.

Watching her compete and train has fueled his desire to push his limits and strive for excellence, creating a healthy sibling rivalry that spurs both to greater heights in their respective athletic careers.

3. Breaking barriers and setting records

Quincy Wilson is not just competing; he is redefining what young athletes are capable of achieving.

His rapid ascent in track and field culminated in him becoming the youngest American male to secure an Olympic track and field bid, a testament to his extraordinary capabilities and the potential to shape the future of the sport.

His inclusion in the U.S. Olympic team, particularly in the 4x400m relay, is a significant achievement, positioning him as a key player on the international stage.

Quincy's record-breaking journey has been filled with notable highlights, including multiple AAU Junior Olympic Games titles and national titles.

These accolades have not only earned him recognition from his peers but also attracted attention from major sports brands, leading to an NIL deal with New Balance, making him one of the youngest athletes to sign such a contract.

4. Life beyond the track

Despite his rigorous training schedule, Quincy leads a balanced life. He is a typical teenager who enjoys video games, spending much of his free time playing popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty.

After his successful stint at the Olympic Trials in June, Quincy's first choice to unwind was to grab his headset and join his friends for a game of Call of Duty: Warzone.

This blend of normal teenage activities with his professional commitments provides Quincy with a much-needed outlet for relaxation and social interaction.

It helps him maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the high pressures of competitive sports, ensuring he remains grounded and focused.

Quincy’s interests also include a deep appreciation for his education. Attending Bullis School, he excels in his studies, understanding the importance of having a well-rounded life that balances sports with academics.

5. Looking toward the future

Quincy Wilson's debut on the Olympic stage captures global attention, with audiences anticipating standout performances from this remarkable young athlete.

His ambitions stretch beyond mere medal victories; Quincy is driven to motivate a new generation of athletes to passionately chase their dreams.

The path he has taken showcases a formula for success rooted in perseverance, familial support, and natural skill.

Quincy Wilson is more than just an emerging talent to keep an eye on; he stands as a dynamic force poised to reshape the limits of track and field for the foreseeable future.

(07/18/2024) Views: 763 ⚡AMP
by Festus Chuma

Wilson, at 16, becomes youngest male USA track Olympian

Quincy Wilson, at age 16, could become the youngest American male athletics competitor to appear at an Olympics as a member of the 4x400m relay pool at Paris.

Wilson finished sixth in the 400m final in 44.94secs, missing out on an individual spot, but USA Track and Field's relay selectors delivered the news Sunday he was in the relay group.

"WE GOING TO THE OLYMPICS," Wilson posted on Instagram.

The previous youngest US athletics competitor at an Olympics was Jim Ryun, who was 17 years and 137 days when he ran at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Wilson, about to start his junior year at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, twice broke the under-18 world record for 400m during last week's US trials in Eugene, Oregon.

He broke the age group world record with a run of 44.66secs in the preliminary heats, then lowered that two-day-old mark with a 44.59-second effort in the semi-finals.

(07/02/2024) Views: 584 ⚡AMP
by AFP

Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu out of Paris 2024 after falling at US trials

Olympic champion Athing Mu’s hopes for a repeat came crashing down on the first lap of the 800m final at the US Olympic trials on Monday.

Racing in the middle of the pack, Mu tangled with a bunched group of runners and went crashing to the ground before rolling on to her back. She got back to her feet and finished the race, but was more than 22 seconds behind the winner, Nia Akins, who took first place with a time of 1 minute 57.36 seconds.

The 22-year-old Mu was choking back tears as she headed quickly off the track and through the tunnel after the race. She did not immediately come through the media area for interviews.

The Olympic trials were Mu’s first meet of the year after dealing with injuries all season. She looked to be in good form in her first two rounds, but was out of the running in the final before the first 200m.

It was Exhibit A of the unforgiving format of the US trials, where the top three finishers make the Olympic team and past performances mean nothing.

“I’ve coached it,said told The Associated Press. “And here’s another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have. It’s part of our American way.”

Kersee said Mu was clipped from behind and that a protest had been lodged. USA Track and Field did not immediately respond to queries about the status of the protest. Kersee said Mu got spiked, had track burns and hurt her ankle.

“She’s going to be licking her wounds for a couple of days,” Kersee said.

Mu could still go to Paris as part of the US relay pool; she was a key part of America’s gold-medal win in the 4x400m three years ago in Tokyo.After winning college, national, world and Olympic championships all before turning 21, Mu won a bronze medal at worlds last year and, afterward, conceded she needed a break from the pressure and demands that come with being tagged as one of track’s new stars.

“For sure, I wasn’t really happy to be there,” she told the Guardian when asked about her 2023 season. “Mentally, I just wasn’t really there. I just wasn’t present. I didn’t appreciate being there. I didn’t really enjoy what was happening to me.”

She has dominated the 800m thanks, in part, to a long, loping stride, and that may be what cost her in a race in which she came in as the favorite. Mu was racing on the outside in a tightly bunched pack and looked to be veering to her left toward Juliette Whitaker when she tripped, leaving three runners behind her flailing as they jumped over her.Mu is hardly the first athlete to suffer such misfortune. One of the more memorable and heartbreaking moments came eight years ago in the same event, when Alysia Montano, looking to return to the Olympics, was tripped up in the homestretch and stayed down on the track crying.

There was drama elsewhere on a busy night that included six finals.

The women’s 5000m came down to a 0.02sec difference with Elle St Pierre finishing in 14:40.34, just ahead of Elise Cranny. Both are going to the Olympics.

Vashti Cunningham, who had a combined 13 straight US indoor and outdoor titles coming into the week, won a jump-off for third to make her third Olympic team.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Quincy Wilson finished sixth in the 400m final with a time of 44.94, his third sub-45 race in three tries at the trials.

Now, he will wait to see if the US track team calls on him to be part of the relay pool.

“All I know is I gave everything I had,” he said. “I can’t be too disappointed. I’m 16, and I’m running grown-man times.”

(06/25/2024) Views: 594 ⚡AMP

American youngster Quincy Wilson reacts after beating Usain Bolt's 400m record

Quincy Wilson has reacted after beating Usain Bolt's and Kirani James' records in the 400m.

American youngster Quincy Wilson has reacted after his scintillating run in the 400m at the Bullis Track sophomore where he was opening his outdoor season.

Wilson stopped the clock in an impressive Personal Best time of 45.19 to cross the finish line first. The time he clocked placed him in the books of records as a 16-year-old where he surpassed the times the fastest man in the world Usain Bolt ran when he was the same age.

Wilson also beat former Olympic champion Kirani James’ record of the times he would run when he was the same age. At 16, Bolt’s Personal Best time was 45.35 while James had a Personal Best time of 45.24.

“I feel great…I feel like I executed the race pretty well but there are a lot of things that I have to work on. Coming up from one week of training since the indoor, I feel pretty good.

“It’s feeling great coming out here and trying to stay healthy until the end of the season because it’s a long season. I just want to stay healthy and be able to keep getting ready for my craft and things like that and just keep working hard towards the goal,” Wilson said.

He added that this season, he will be targeting the Olympic Games in Paris, France where he intends to make an impact.

“I also want to be able to just run a great race and remain thankful for what I’m able to do. I’ve been watching all those races, studying them, and breaking them down from 50m to 100m…I learn how to execute my race from those videos.

“I don’t really know where I’ll be racing next and I just want to go week by week learning different things and just executing so you never know. I just want to accept the challenge and go with it,” he added.

(04/02/2024) Views: 746 ⚡AMP
by Abigael Wuafula