Il Nuovo Postiglione - High schooler Wilson helps US into 4x400m final

Wilson, who only turned 16 in January, became the youngest track athlete in history to represent the United States at an Olympics with his first leg appearance in the heats.

But after clocking only 47.27sec on the opening leg to place seventh -- three seconds slower than Botswana first leg runner Letsile Tebogo, the 200m champion -- Wilson needed his team-mates to bail him out.

The Americans eventually finished third in the semi-final behind Botswana and Great Britain, qualifying for the final in 2min 59.15sec.

The US qualification was in large part due to a blistering second leg from Vernon Norwood, who took over the baton and scorched around in 43.54sec to haul the quartet back into contention.

Wilson said the electric atmosphere at the Stade de France had helped drag him around a difficult opening leg.

"It was amazing," the teenager said. "They got me round the track today. My grit and determination got me round the track.

"I knew I had a great three legs behind me and I knew it wasn't just myself today."

Norwood, 32, meanwhile saluted the youngster's contribution.

"I was very proud of him," Norwood said. "He did a great job setting us up for the final.

"I told him before we got out there 'Embrace it. You belong here. This is a privilege. Not many people in the world get this opportunity so embrace it.'"

Wilson meanwhile said he was still struggling to grasp the enormity of his achievement in making the Olympic squad.

"Honestly I haven't. When I get home I'll probably be able to soak it all in," he said.

D.Ricci--INP