The British sprinter has returned to Texas to be mentored by the nine-time Olympic gold medalist, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Louis Hinchliffe made a huge breakthrough in 2024 when he broke the 10-second 100m barrier to win the British Olympic 100m With these successes while training under coach Carl Lewis at the University of Houston.
At the end of 2024, he returned to the UK to be trained by former world 60m indoor champion Richard Kielty, but he is now back in Houston trying to revive his career.
“It’s like a huge free agent coming back for our program,” Lewis told the Houston Chronicle.
The 23-year-old had to complete the student-athlete rehabilitation process, however, in addition to being reassigned to the university’s academic program.
“We didn’t rush anything and did everything they asked us to do and went through the process,” Lewis said of the NCAA system.
Lewis added: “He said: “I made a mistake, I’m sorry, can I go back?” It belonged to him. I’m really proud of him for that.”
Hinchliffe’s promise was shown in the early summer of 2024 when he ran 9.84 against the light wind despite his 100m PB earlier in the year being just 10.11.while five years ago the Sheffield sprinter finished last in his English schools 100m final.
He was part of the Great Britain team that won bronze at the Paris Olympics. On his move to train with Kilty on Teesside, he said at the time: “We just had very similar philosophies. Very similar thoughts. I think that’s why we did so well.”
However, injuries have halted his progress in 2025, but he is now fit and should run over 60m in the coming days with the long-term aim of making an impact at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
He said about Lewis in 2024. “He’s made a huge difference. He’s a nine-time Olympic champion, you just have to be an open book and take all the advice he gives you. He will make jokes and he will also be hard on you when something is wrong. He keeps me on track.”
