Former WSU sprinter Louie Hinchliffe returns to NCAA competition...

According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, former Washington State and Houston Cougar standout Louie Hinchliffe (Paul Merca photo) will return to Houston and train under head coach Carl Lewis after competing as a professional.

Hinchliffe left Houston after winning the 2024 NCAA 100 meter title and qualified for Great Britain's Olympic team, where he won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 relay.

After the Olympics, Hinchliffe signed a pro deal with ASICS. A stress fracture in his back and a hamstring injury curtailed his 2025 season, but did run for Great Britain in the 4 x 100 relay at the Tokyo world championships (Erik Aguillar photo).

Hinchliffe reached out to Lewis about coaching him again, but Lewis had a strict no coaching policy unless he's enrolled or graduated from the school.

As the first step, Hinchliffe's ASICS contract was converted into a name, image, and likeness deal instead of an endorsement contract. It should be noted that Nike is the official athletic shoe and apparel supplier to the University of Houston, and he would be required to wear Nike products while representing the school.

Hinchliffe worked with the school, its compliance department and the NCAA to ensure his reinstatement.

He then completed the NCAA Student-Athlete reinstatement process, and enrolled for the spring semester in January.

Hinchliffe was cleared by the NCAA this week, and will make his return at the Big 12 championships in Lubbock, Texas, where he's entered in the 60 meter dash.

He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

The Houston Chronicle article is available here.

NOTE: The Houston Chronicle, and the sports information office of the University of Houston contributed to this report.

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