Christian Miller Forgoes Collegiate Career With Georgia, Turns Pro
Christian Miller Forgoes Collegiate Career With Georgia, Turns Pro
U.S. Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Christian Miller, 18, opted against a collegiate career on Friday, announcing his decision to turn pro.
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Christian Miller had a long and hard decision to make after the U.S. Olympic Trials.
After the most distinguished season in U.S. prep history -- wherein he set a new American U20 record in the 100m -- the recent St. Johns Creekside High School graduate has decided to forgo his inbound collegiate career with the University of Georgia and turn pro.
Miller, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024 and this year's Gatorade National Player of the Year, announced his decision on Instagram on Friday.
When reached out to by FloTrack this morning, Miller had this to say about his decision:
‘’Trust God’s plan. That has gotten me to the point now to make this decision and it’s gonna help me far down the line as well.’’
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Miller will continue to be led by Ricky Fields, Miller's long-time coach with the St. Johns Striders Track Club.
"After weeks of consultation with my family, mentors and coaches, I have decided to forgo my NCAA eligibility and pursue a professional career as a full-time track and field athlete," Miller wrote on Instagram. "I'm excited for what comes next and can't wait to bring you all on this journey with me."
The Florida star's season ended at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where he finished fifth in the men's 100m final with a wind-legal time of 9.98 seconds. While Miller did not get selected for the relay pool ahead of the Paris Olympics, the 18-year-old clearly showed his class among the best in the world in June.
His season included a career-best time of 9.93 seconds from the PURE Athletics Elite Meet on May 11, a performance which stood at No. 1 in the world for weeks.
Miller also clocked a wind-legal time of 9.95 at New Balance Nationals Outdoor and 9.94w in the semifinals of the U.S. Trials. He added an all conditions best of 20.15w in the 200m in May and a wind-legal time of 20.51 at the Bob Hayes Invitational.
Miller's 9.93 is an American U20 record.
Miller's decision follows recent decisions by American high school stars like Erriyon Knighton, Jaylen Slade and Noah Lyles. All turned professional following record-breaking high school seasons.
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