16-year-old Olympic Gold medalist Quincy Wilson receives the honor to throw the first pitch for Washington Nationals

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Sep 02, 2024 04:19 GMT

In the wake of his Olympic glory, Quincy Wilson recently received the honor of throwing the first pitch for the Washington Nationals. The 16-year-old claimed a gold medal at the Paris Games for his contribution to the team in the men's 4x400m relay race.

The Virginia native ran the first leg of Round 1 of the U.S. 4x400-meter relay at the Stade de France. He ran the first leg in 47.27 seconds to help the team qualify for the finals. Although the youngest American male track Olympian did not compete in the final round, his efforts in the first round helped him earn the gold medal.

Owing to his efforts, Wilson earned the honor to throw the first pitch at a Washington Nationals Games against Chicago Cubs. He threw the pitch to the Nationals' catcher Drew Millas on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Nationals Park.

The official account of Washington Nationals gave a glimpse of the American track and field athlete throwing the ceremonial pitch on social media.

"The FASTEST KID ALIVE," they wrote. "Youngest @usatf male olympic gold medalist in history and Virginia native Quincy Wilson with today’s first pitch!"

In one of the videos, Wilson is seen expressing his joy in receiving the honor and support for the Nationals saying,

"I'm here with the gold medal, the youngest Olympian male track and field athlete to win the gold medal. I'm here at the Nats game in Washington D.C. enjoying it and let's go, Nats! I'm rooting for you guys."

Wilson was seen sporting the Washington Nationals' jersey along with black shorts. He completed the look with his Paris Olympics gold medal.

"I knew I had a great three legs behind me" - Quincy Wilson praises his relay team following the gold medal win

Quincy Wilson during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)

Quincy Wilson ran the first leg in the 4x400m in the first round, clocking the seventh-fastest opening leg of the lineup. In an interview with USA Today he acknowledged his below-par performance while crediting the team for the success.

"I know I wasn't 100% myself, but my team came out here and did it for me," Wilson said. "They got me around the track today. My grit and determination got me around the track. I knew I had a great three legs behind me and I know it wasn't just myself today."

He added.

"If it was just myself, we would be in last place. But these guys came out there and gave it their all. From first, all the way to fourth leg, they ran their hearts out."

The final USA men's 4x400m team, including Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood, Bryce Deadmon, and Rai Benjamin dominated the final lineup with 2:54.43.