Louie Hinchliffe foregoes college eligibility to turn professional
08/29/2024 10:04 AM
The Olympic 4x100m bronze medallist and NCAA 100m champion is pursuing a career as a professional athlete
Louie Hinchliffe, the fastest Brit in the world this season, has foregone his college eligibility at the University of Houston to become a professional athlete.
The 22-year-old became the first ever European to claim the NCAA 100m title after running 9.95 at Hayward Field back in June.
That time put Hinchliffe sixth on the UK all-time list and later that month he became UK 100m champion in Manchester.
Hinchliffe subsequently qualified for his first ever Olympics and made the semi-finals in Paris, including beating eventual champion Noah Lyles in his heat.
In the 4x100m relay, the Sheffield-based athlete was part of the British quartet that claimed a bronze medal.
Hinchliffe ran the second leg of the final and combined with Jeremiah Azu, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and Zharnel Hughes to clock 37.61, behind Canada’s 37.50 and South Africa’s 37.57.
Great Britain 4x100m team (Getty)
“What a season it’s been,” Hinchliffe posted on his Instagram. “I’ve experienced the highest of highs in my first year at the University of Houston. I’ve become an NCAA champion, a national champion and an Olympic semi-finalist, all whilst living our my dreams as a Cougar.
“With that being said, after speaking with my family, I have decided to forego the remainder of my collegiate eligibility and embark on a career as a professional athlete.”
One person who was instrumental in Hinchliffe’s rise was nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis, who is the Head Coach of Track and Field at the University of Houston and coached the Brit during his time in Texas.
Lewis travelled to Manchester to see Hinchliffe win the UK 100m crown and stated to AW afterwards that the NCAA system hugely benefitted him both on and off the track.
“With the way that our team was set up at the University of Houston, I never had to put any pressure on Louie,” he said. “Being in a city like Houston, everyone can get lost. So not having that constant pressure on the track really helped him off it as well.
“I think the level of competition is different. When you compete at the high school level it's also a lot of fun, while you also get your education. Everything you do is important. Studying is big as it prepares you for life and alongside competing, we take care of everything.”
Carl Lewis and Louie Hinchliffe (Getty)
Hinchliffe also paid tribute to both Lewis and Will Blackburn – Director of Track and Field at the University of Houston – on his Instagram.
“I would like to thank Coach Blackburn and Coach Lewis for your belief and support of me,” Hinchliffe added. “I hope that someday I can give back as much as you have both given to me. I would like to thank the rest of the coaching staff, operational staff, sports medicine department and our wonderful student managers. Without you, none of our success would be possible.
“To our fans and friends at the University of Houston, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me and extended family. I hope to do you all proud in the next phase of my life.”
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