Erriyon Knighton goes pro

[gh]

see scoop on home page

[Atticus]

Just read it. I agree on the similarities to Bolt, but that's an awful lotta EXPECTATION.
He could be the next Real Deal, if all goes well physically and psychologically. He certainly has the tools.

[DoubleRBar]

I wasn't surprised to see him go pro especially with this pandemic. I definitely can see him running under 20.00 in the next year or two. He's got what it takes. Please stay healthy.

[gh]

to keep pace with Bolt (yes, I'm being silly) he needs to run 19.93 this year (age 17)

[KevinR]

He is definitely a bright talent. I hope he is able to deal with the pressures that come with turning pro (like I would know.....). I like that he is staying with his current coach and training group. Change as few things as necessary for a bit.

[The Klingon]

Lord knows I wish the young man all the best in the world, but I have seen too many teenage phenoms crash and burn.

[Atticus]

Lord knows I wish the young man all the best in the world, but I have seen too many teenage phenoms crash and burn.

Mary Decker
Jordan Hasay
Bolt
Mondo
Sydney McL
and many others give us hope. Unfortunately, the crash-and-burns make 'good copy'.

[18.99s]

Mary Decker
Jordan Hasay
Bolt
Mondo
Sydney McL
and many others give us hope. Unfortunately, the crash-and-burns make 'good copy'.

All of the above finished at least high school before going pro, and all but one did at least a year in college.

Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

[26mi235]

All of the above finished at least high school before going pro, and all but one did at least a year in college.

Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

So the world only exists of the US?

[18.99s]

So the world only exists of the US?

No... why do you think I was making a US-only statement, when Bolt was one of the athletes listed?

[The Klingon]

All of the above finished at least high school before going pro, and all but one did at least a year in college.

Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

That is an excellent question. I just hope he has the right "handlers", people who know what they are doing. Because if he doesn't, well........SMH.

[Atticus]

Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

That IS a good question. There must be some, but as I'm thinking about it, many did achieve some early successes, but didn't improve after 21, which is, essentially, a crash-and-burn.

[ATK]

All of the above finished at least high school before going pro, and all but one did at least a year in college.

Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

If we're talking international, does Yaroslava Mahuchikh count? I think she signed with Puma in either March or April 2019, before her 18th birthday (Sep 19th 2019) and she was still in high school in Ukraine at that year (though not sure exact date). Granted, we havent have many years to know if she will actually "crash & burn"

[Atticus]

If we're talking international, does Yaroslava Mahuchikh count? I think she signed with Puma in either March or April 2019, before her 18th birthday (Sep 19th 2019) and she was still in high school in Ukraine at that year (though not sure exact date). Granted, we havent have many years to know if she will actually "crash & burn"

Do Ukrainian kids compete for their HSs? If not, they are essentially open athletes anyway? Doesn't affect anything if they are paid, yes/no? There'd be no reason NOT to accept money at any age.

[gh]

......
Is there even one kid who went pro in T&F before age 18 and before finishing high school, who didn't crash and burn? Ever?

A close-enough: Vashti Cunningham turned pro (and has flourished since) 2 months after her 18th birthday.