High Schooler Ditches College for Puma Deal: Because Who Needs a Degree When You Can Run Away from Serious Commitments?

Christian Miller, who just last April was a regular high school senior proving that running fast is not just reserved for escaping awkward school dances, now finds himself wearing professional kicks as he dashes into the world of elite track and field. Clocking in a blistering 9.93 seconds in the 100 meters, he apparently decided that waiting to mature in the comfort of college is for people who enjoy cafeteria food and late-night cramming sessions.

In a move that stunned absolutely no one, Miller has signed a professional contract with Puma, solidifying his place in the exclusive club of high school athletes skipping the NCAA charade in favor of actual professional glory. Who needs student loans when you can chase the fast life on the track?

Continuing his training in Jacksonville, Florida—where alligators are basically the local babysitters—Miller will focus on being (let’s be honest) impossibly fast in the 100 and 200 meters while also dabbling in online classes at Liberty University. Nothing says “I’m taking my career seriously” quite like learning about computer science while outrunning everyone at the track.

Though Miller has only just turned 18, he’s keeping the flame of anonymity alive, but he’s convinced that by the time 2028 rolls around, he’ll be a household name—as long as that household isn’t made up of devoted dog lovers who get all of their news from TikTok. His confidence got a massive boost with a fifth-place finish at the U.S. Olympic trials in June, although let’s be real, that’s barely above participation award level in a sport notorious for smiling at people while they run faster than a kid chasing the ice cream truck.

“I’m super excited to go down in history as one of the most dominant sprinters ever,” Miller proclaimed, possibly while wearing sunglasses indoors and sipping a sports drink. “People are all about Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo right now, but soon they’ll be talking about me—right after they gush over the new TikTok dances.”

With several shoe companies practically throwing cash at him during the summer, Miller finally chose Puma, the brand synonymous with lighting pace—mostly thanks to Usain Bolt, who enjoys running very fast when not breaking world records or posing for selfies. While we won’t know the terms of his fat paycheck, his agent is rolling in secretive terms and promises of riches that sound like the script for a heist flick.

Miller’s high school senior season was a rollercoaster of speed and disbelief, highlighted not just by his astonishing finish but also by the bizarre realization that being fast essentially means you get to skip college parties. His remarkable 9.93, which until June remained the fastest in the world for a hot minute, has him positioned well among the elite, rubbing shoulders with the likes of winner of everything, Letsile Tebogo, and other sprinters who make running look as easy as breathing.

If Miller continues on this trajectory, he’s got his sights set on breaking that elusive U20 world record because every athlete should strive to make themselves faster than they can consciously manage. “With every year, I feel like I’ve made these insane improvements,” said a guy who just realized he gets to wear professional gear now. “I can’t go to college and sit in a lecture if I’m destined for greatness, right?”

For many tired athletes, the NCAA can feel like a treadmill you just can’t step off. A few wise champions, however, have skipped the collegiate waitlist and burst onto the pro scene faster than you can say ‘networking’—and now they’re prepping to strut their stuff in front of the world in 2025. Miller looks to join this elite band, primarily because running is way cooler than attending mindless classes and filling out financial aid forms.

“The Olympic trials gave me a good glimpse into the madness of real pros,” Miller said, probably wondering how much coffee it takes to keep up with the hype. “Lining up with the fastest guys made me realize I can totally hold my own. Just have to keep reminding myself that,” he added, sharpening his spikes in preparation for taking the express lane to the top.