British sprinter Louie Hinchliffe has announced his decision to turn professional after a standout performance at the Paris Olympics this summer. The 22-year-old athlete played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the British relay team in the men’s 4x100 meters. This decision marks a significant shift as Hinchliffe opts to leave his final year at the University of Houston, where he trained under the guidance of nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, to focus on his professional sprinting career.
Hinchliffe’s rise in athletics has been rapid and impressive. In June, he claimed the US college (NCAA) 100m title with a time of 9.95 seconds and followed up with a victory at the British Championships, which earned him a spot at the Paris Games. Although he narrowly missed out on a place in the 100m final, he contributed significantly to the relay team’s success, adding an Olympic bronze to his achievements.
Reflecting on his season, Hinchliffe expressed his gratitude and excitement about his decision. On Instagram, he highlighted the exceptional year he has had, including becoming an NCAA champion, a national champion, and an Olympic semi-finalist while competing as a Cougar. He acknowledged the support of his coaches, Will Blackburn and Carl Lewis, and expressed his desire to eventually give back to the sport as they have supported him.
As Hinchliffe transitions to professional athletics, his focus will be on capitalizing on the momentum from a stellar season. His move comes as he aims to build on his Olympic success and further his career in sprinting, leaving behind his collegiate achievements in pursuit of new goals on the international stage.
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