Olympic gold medalist Quincy Wilson commits to run track at University of Maryland

The youngest track and field gold medalist in Olympic history is staying home. Quincy Wilson, who won the 4x400 meter relay with Team USA at the 2024 Games, committed Monday to run track at the University of Maryland, the school announced.

Wilson, a Maryland resident who attends the Bullis School in Potomac, chose the Terrapins over offers from UCLA, Texas A&M, South Carolina and USC.

“Quincy is a generational athlete who has the upside to continue to thrive at the top of our sport,” Andrew Valmon, Maryland’s head track coach, said in a statement. “His support system here at Maryland, in his home state, is unmatched. I am excited to get to work on this next phase of his journey.”

Wilson, 17, has become a local celebrity around the nation’s capital. He was an honorary captain at Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens game, a win over the New York Jets. In 2023, at just 15 years old, he became one of the youngest American athletes to sign a name, image and likeness deal with New Balance.

Specializing in 400-meter events, Wilson has set under-18 world records for the race multiple times since 2024.

“It feels great to represent your home city because it’s where you get out of bed, it’s where you go to school, it’s where you do everything,” Wilson told NBC 4. “So, why would you leave if you can do it right here and you can have your family? My mom can cook for me.”

Wilson wasn’t the only high-profile athlete to commit to Maryland in the span of a week. Five-star basketball recruit Baba Oladatun, another Maryland resident, announced his plan to play for the Terrapins last week.

“We are the flagship university. We should be represented that way, with the top players in this state staying home and helping us build a brand and build programs,” Maryland football coach Mike Locksley, who helped recruit Wilson, said on Tuesday. “And I think what you’re seeing is a generation of kids from this region now that get it.”

• George Gerbo contributed to this story.