\n<\/p>\n
Hinchliffe entered 2024 with a personal best of 10.17secs but, after just one winter working alongside Lewis, has shattered the 10-second barrier, claimed two significant titles, and booked his Olympic debut.<\/p>\n
In fact, that has all happened in just six weeks.<\/p>\n
Recording the second-fastest all-condition 100m in British history with a wind-assisted 9.84 seconds in May, he followed up that statement result by becoming the first European man to win the US collegiate 100m title.<\/p>\n
In achieving success at the prestigious NCAA Championships – one year after finishing last in the semi-finals – he ran 9.95secs, his first legal sub-10, placing him sixth on the British all-time list while also making him the unexpected favourite for Paris qualification.<\/p>\n
Despite the pressure of an expectant home crowd on Saturday, Hinchliffe again displayed his propensity for performing on the big stage, not only securing the top-two finish required for Olympic qualification but demonstrating his fearlessness and remarkable form to take victory.<\/p>\n
Hinchliffe is the first to acknowledge the crucial role Lewis has played in making his dreams come true so far.<\/p>\n
“He has made a massive difference,” said Hinchliffe.<\/p>\n
“He’s a nine-time Olympic champion, you just have to be an open book and take in all the advice he gives you.<\/p>\n
“He’ll make jokes and he’ll also be hard on you when something isn’t right. He keeps me on the right track.”<\/p>\n
Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this year, Lewis joked: “If Louie goes to the Olympic Games and wins two gold medals, I’ll remind him that he needs seven more<\/a>.”<\/p>\n But remaining humble amid the external excitement is at the forefront Hinchliffe’s mind and, with Lewis’ experience to learn from, he is continuing to take a breakneck year in his stride.<\/p>\n His first Olympic experience, now only a month away, will undoubtedly be enhanced by the presence of 1984 and 1988 100m champion Lewis, a man who knows all about handling career-defining moments.<\/p>\n And after witnessing first-hand the progress Hinchliffe has made during their relatively short partnership, Lewis is not ruling anything out as a debut Games approaches for an athlete he believes can go on to become one of Britain’s best.<\/p>\n “If he runs his best, he will make the Olympic final,” Lewis said.<\/p>\n “Once you’re in the final, you’re in with a shot.<\/p>\n “The limit [for Louie]? Thank goodness we don’t know. It means we can always strive to get it. <\/p>\n “My goal is for him to get to the Olympic final. If you get there, anybody has a chance.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n