Oregon's Cole Hocker Announces Decision To Turn Professional

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Phil Yearian photos

Olympian Cole Hocker announced Monday morning that he has turned professional and will not be returning to compete his remaining two years of eligibility at the University of Oregon. He posted on Instagram that he will run for Nike. 

"Being able to run as my job is what I’ve been working towards since my earliest days on the track," Hocker wrote. "Oregon played a huge role in that journey by providing the best coaches, facilities, and community possible." 

Hocker made a giant leap forward in his first full season of track and field at Oregon and helped to usher in the opening of the new Hayward Field with a series of memorable performances. 

The Indianapolis native won two NCAA Indoor titles (Mile, 3,000 meters) and won the NCAA outdoor championship in the 1,500. Then he won the U.S. Olympic Trials title in the 5,000 meters to earn a berth on the Olympic team despite not having the Olympic Games qualifying standard. 

But Hocker, 20, proved he belonged in Tokyo, running lifetime bests in the semifinals and finals. He finished sixth in the Olympic final in 3:31.40, the fastest time ever by a collegian and No. 8 all-time among U.S. men.