WORLD 1500M BRONZE MEDALLIST MATTHEW CENTROWITZ TURNING PROFESSIONAL - By David Martin
\"Matthew was extremely impressive in 2011 and has the ability to be a major force in the event for years to come.\"
WORLD 1500M BRONZE MEDALLIST MATTHEW CENTROWITZ TURNING PROFESSIONAL ©Victah Sailer
Matthew Centrowitz a surprise 1500 metres bronze medallist at this summer's IAAF World Championships in Daegu admitted it was a tough decision before he decided to switch to a professional career.
The Eugene based track star and son of Matt Centrowitz Senior a two time Olympian, has signed a contract with PACE Sports Management the high profile London based company specialising in athletics and headed by Ricky Simms.
Simms organisation represents many stellar global athletes worldwide including Olympic and World champions Usain Bolt of Jamaica, Kenyan's Vivian Cheruiyot and Linet Masai, Briton's Phillips Idowu, and Christine Ohuruogu plus Australia's Jana Pittman.
The 28-year-old's decision will see him forego his fifth and final year of eligibilty at the University of Oregon allowing him to compete in the prestigious NCAA Championships, although planning to complete his sociology degree.
Instead the reigning NCAA champion, the youngest ever American ever to claim a World Championships 1500m podium finish, will embark on what has the potential to be a money spinning future on the global circuit
Centrowitz has still to reveal whether he will remain in Eugene - "Track Town" of the United States - where his training partners include many of the country's top middle distance runners.
"I weighed both ends of this," Centrowitz told the local Oregonian newspaper. "It took me a couple months to decide. ... I had to make the decision based on what would keep me progressing, and keep me hungry."
Now no longer an amateur he will be allowed to sign what should be a lucrative shoe contract and after that contract is negotiated will make a decision where to settle and train with other professional runners.
"We're keeping all options open," said Centrowitz, whose win at the USA Track and Field Championships in June was the first for an Oregon undergraduate since the success of the legendary Steve Prefontaine.
Simms announcing the runner will miss out on his final year of NCAA eligibility, said: “We are honoured and delighted to work with Matthew and help continue his development as a professional athlete.
"Matthew was extremely impressive in 2011 and has the ability to be a major force in the event for years to come."
David Martin
