PRO NOTES: Ex WSU Cougar Louie Hinchliffe signs with ASICS; Grand Slam Track announces TV deal...

Some pro notes to pass along:

ASICS announced the signing of former Washington State and Houston sprinter Louie Hinchliffe (photo courtesy ASICS) to its global roster last week.

Hinchliffe, who announced his intention to turn pro after the Paris Olympics, won the 100 meters at the 2024 NCAA track and field championships for the University of Houston, a year after qualifying for the championships as a freshman at Washington State.

At last year's NCAAs, (Paul Merca photo) he clocked a blistering 9.95 seconds in the 100m, becoming the fastest European to win the title. His performance placed him sixth on the UK all-time list and was the ninth-fastest time in the world that year. Hinchliffe continued his remarkable form, securing a gold medal at the UK Athletics Championships in Manchester, earning a place in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

In his first round heat at the Olympics, he beat eventual Olympic champion Noah Lyles of the USA to advance to the semifinals of the men's 100, but fell short in his attempt to move on to the finals.

He ultimately helped Team GB secure a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay, solidifying his reputation as a fierce competitor under pressure.

“I am excited to be part of the ASICS family,” said Hinchliffe. “From day one, they’ve shown me how much they care about me as an athlete and as a person. Their commitment to constant improvement and innovation, as well as their support for the team to feel and perform at their best, aligns perfectly with my values and goals. I’m thrilled to continue pushing my limits and achieving new milestones with their support.”

Courtesy of ASICS, here's his introduction:

The ASICS release is available here.

GRAND SLAM TRACK PARTNERS WITH THE CW, PEACOCK AND NBC SPORTS...

The CW Network, NBC Sports, and Grand Slam Track, the global home of professional track competition launched in 2024 by four-time Olympic Champion Michael Johnson, announced on Monday (3 Feb) a groundbreaking three-way partnership that confirms The CW Network will be the exclusive U.S. broadcast home of Grand Slam Track, and that Peacock will be the exclusive streaming home of Grand Slam Track, presenting all four Slams of the inaugural 2025 season live. 

Grand Slam Track features a roster of 48 Racers, comprising of the top track athletes from around the world, competing against 48 Challengers in four Slams in Kingston, Jamaica; Miami; Philadelphia; and Los Angeles. Grand Slam Track has already announced the 48 Racers signed to compete in all four Slams including Josh Kerr of Seattle's Brooks Beasts, who is the reigning world champion and Olympic silver medalist in the 1500 meters.

Grand Slam Track's release announcing the partnership with The CW, Peacock, and NBC Sports is available here.

NOTE: ASICS and Grand Slam Track contributed to this report.

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