SaqBritish sprinter Louie Hinchliffe has announced his decision to turn professional.
The 22-year-old confirmed he will forgo his senior year at the University of Houston to pursue sprinting professionally.
Hinchliffe’s spectacular rise continued at this summer’s Olympics, where he helped Team GB win bronze in the men’s 4×100 metres.
The Briton moved to Houston from Lancaster University, where he trained under nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, and in June became the NCAA 100m champion after clocking 9.95 seconds.
Later in June he won the British Championships and qualified for the Olympics.
In Paris, Hinchliffe narrowly failed to make it through after being eliminated in the 100m semi-finals, but won bronze in the relay alongside teammates Zharnel Hughes, Jeremiah Azu and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake.
Hinchliffe confirmed his decision in an Instagram post, saying: “What a season! I had the highest highs my freshman year at the University of Houston.
“I became an NCAA champion, national champion and Olympic semifinalist while achieving my dreams as a Cougar.
“That being said, after speaking with my family, I have decided to forgo the remainder of my college eligibility and pursue a career as a professional athlete.
“I would like to thank coaches Blackburn and Lewis for their trust and support. I hope that one day I can give back to them as much as you both gave to me.
“I want to thank the rest of the management staff, the operations staff, the sports medicine department and our wonderful student administrators. 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 an extended family. I hope to make you all proud in this new phase of my life.”
Saq
