Quincy Hall found his niche, and it paid off
Two years ago, Quincy Hall made a decision that would change everything.
Until then, Hall’s greatest achievements were in the 400m hurdles. He won the NCAA and NACAC U23 titles in the same season back in 2019, but despite his hard work and talent, he never quite made it to Team USA. In 2022, he made a tough call. He shifted his focus from the hurdles to the flat 400m, hoping it would improve his chances of making the team.
And that decision paid off. Hall won gold in the 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting a personal best and world-leading time of 43.40 seconds. It was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and self-confidence.
“I wouldn’t say I could be here doing the 400m hurdles,” Hall admitted in an interview with Olympics.com. “I’ve been trying for years and I never made the US team in the 400m hurdles. So making the switch two years ago…it paid off. I think I just found my place.”
Hall’s performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. He burst onto the track, leaving everything behind in his race. But for him, it was just another day at the office. “I put myself through the ring of fire, so I beat myself up every day,” he said. “Running 43 seconds is nothing compared to what I do in practice.”
At 26, with an Olympic gold medal, you’d think Hall might be content. But not him. He has already decided what will happen next. “I did a little bit of my work,” Hall said of his Olympic victory. “But when I say the job is done, it means I’m done running. I haven’t finished running. I want to win World Championship gold next year and another Olympic gold in 2028.”
Hall’s journey has not been easy. After high school, he worked two jobs to pay for his tuition, board and housing while attending the College of the Sequoias, which didn’t even have student housing or a cafeteria. But through it all, Hall remained focused. And now, his hard work is paying off in ways he never imagined.
His journey continues with more interesting news. he just signed a contract with Grand Slam Track ahead of the first professional trailer league season in 2025. Setting her sights on new goals, Hall proves that sometimes you just have to “keep swimming” like Dory. From Finding Nemo says: And Quincy Hall is swimming toward a brighter future.
