Carl Lewis prodigy Louie Hinchliffe turns pro weeks after beating Noah Lyles in the 100m Round 1 at Paris Olympics

By Abhiruchi Rout

Modified Aug 29, 2024 14:39 GMT

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British sprinter Louie Hinchliffe has decided to forego his remaining collegiate eligibility to turn pro weeks after participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He contributed to Great Britain’s medal-winning performance in the 4x100m relay event.

Hinchliffe, who made his Olympics debut in Paris, featured in the men’s 100m event, where he clocked a time of 9.98s to finish ahead of eventual Olympic champion Noah Lyles (10.04s) in Heat 3 to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, Louie Hinchliffe put on a strong performance with a time of 9.97s but couldn't advance to the final due to the highly competitive men’s 100m field.

Louie Hinchliffe took to his Instagram account to share this major career update, adding:

“What a season it's been. 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 out 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.”

He further mentioned his gratitude to the Director of Track and Field, Will Blackburn, and head coach, Carl Lewis, for their guidance.

“I would like to thank Coach Blackburn & Coach Lewis for your belief and support of me. I hope that someday I can give back as much as you both have given to me. I would like to thank the rest of the coaching staff, operational staff, sports medicine department, and our wonderful student managers.”

Hinchliffe concluded by thanking the fans and friends at the University of Houston who supported him.

The 22-year-old was instrumental in the bronze medal victory of Great Britain in the men’s 4x100m relay event as he ran the second leg in the finals. The team comprising Jeremiah Azu, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, and Zharnel Hughes as the other members clocked a time of 37.61s to finish behind Canada (37.50) and South Africa (37.57).

Louie Hinchliffe’s career for the University of Houston

Louie Hinchliffe at UK Athletics Championships 2024 (Photo by J Kruger, British Athletics/British Athletics via Getty Images) )

While representing the University of Houston, Louie Hinchliffe became the NCAA champion in the men’s 100m, registering a phenomenal time of 9.95s. He later contributed to the university’s third-place finish in the finals of the men’s 4x100m relay as the team recorded 38.25s.

At the 2024 Big 12 Outdoor Track & Field Championship, he came second in the 100m with a 10.16s in the 100m and helped the university bag the top position with a total time of 38.44s.

Before turning professional, he emerged as the national champion after winning the 2024 UK Athletics Championship in a time of 10.18s.