A 16-year-old is one race from becoming the youngest U.S. track Olympian ever

Wilson, who only 19 days ago finished his sophomore year of high school, is competing with some of the world’s fastest runners. Norwood is 32 years old, twice Wilson’s age. Michael Norman, 26, finished fifth in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Norman called Wilson’s performances “spectacular.”

“A 16-year-old is going out here competing like a true competitor,” Norman said. “He’s not letting the moment get too big. He’s living in the moment and competing so it’s great to see young talents like himself elevate, push us to run a little bit faster and take us out of our comfort zone. He has a bright future in front of him as long as he stays grounded and focused.”

Wilson could have faded in that semifinal. At the final turn, he was in fifth place with a lot of ground to make up down the stretch. The 5-foot-9, 140-pound Wilson said, “the race plan went out the window” at that point and he had to dig deep. 

“Stay calm,” he said he told himself in that moment. “I didn’t get out the way that I wanted to, but like my coach said, the race starts at 300. Coming up from fifth to third, it means a lot. If you look at me, I’m not as strong, so it’s 100% heart inside.”

Norman, who competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials at 18 years old, said the odds are not in Wilson’s favor on Monday because of the fatigue with running three races in three days. Though never say never.

“He’s 16 years old. I remember (as an 18-year-old) I ran three runs of 200 and was cooked in the final,” Norman said. “I was so tired. But kids are different now. Anything is possible. He could definitely sneak in a relay spot for sure. It’s all in his hands.”