Olympic 4x100m bronze medalist and NCAA 100m champion continues his career as a professional athlete
Louis Hinchliffe, the fastest Briton in the world this season, has turned down his college eligibility at the University of Houston to become a professional athlete.
The 22-year-old became the first European to claim an NCAA 100m title after clocking 9.95 at Hayward Field in June.
At the time, Hinchliffe was sixth on the British all-time list, and later that month he also became the British 100m champion in Manchester.
Hinchliffe later qualified for his first ever Olympics and reached the semi-finals in Paris, including defeating eventual champion Noah Lyles in his heat.
The Sheffield-based athlete was part of the British quartet that won bronze in the 4x100m relay.
In the final, Hinchliffe ran the return leg and combined with Jeremiah Azu, Nathaniel Mitchell-Blake and Jarnell Hughes to clock 37.61, against Canada’s 37.50 and South Africa’s 37.57.
Great Britain 4x100m Team (River)
“What a season it’s been,” Hinchliffe posted on his Instagram. “My freshman year at the University of Houston, I experienced the highest level. I’ve become an NCAA champion, a national champion, and an Olympic semifinalist while living my dreams as a Cougar.
“So, after speaking with my family, I have decided to forego the remainder of my collegiate eligibility and pursue a career as a professional athlete.”
Nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis, who is the head track and field coach at the University of Houston and coached the 22-year-old while in Texas, played a big role in Hinchliffe’s rise.
Lewis traveled to Manchester to watch Hinchliffe win the British 100m crown and said: AW: then, the NCAA system greatly benefited Brits both on and off the track.
“The way our team was set up at the University of Houston, I never had to put any pressure on Louis,” he said. “Being in a city like Houston, anyone can get lost. So not having the constant pressure on the track really helped him come out of 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’re also getting your education. Everything you do matters. Studying is great because it prepares you for life, and along with competing, we take care of everything.”
Carl Lewis and Louis Hinchliffe (Getty)
Hinchliffe also paid tribute to both Lewis and Will Blackburn, the 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 in me,” added Hinchliffe. “I hope one day I can give back as much as you two have given me. I would like to thank the rest of the coaching staff, the operations staff, the 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 to me and extended family. I hope to make you all proud in the next phase of my life.”
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