Teen U.S. middle distance star Mary Cain to skip college, turn pro

Bronxville High School senior Mary Cain is working with former marathon star Alberto Salazar. (AP)

The youngest runner to represent the United States at the world championships in Moscow last summer is turning pro. Middle distance star Mary Cain, 17, announced that she won't compete in college.

Cain finished 10th in the 1,500 meters at the world championships and set several high school and American junior records on the way to Moscow. Her accomplishments include setting the indoor and outdoor high school and/or junior records in six events between 800 through 5,000 meters. She also is the first U.S. high school girl to break two minutes (1:59.51) in the 800 and ran 4:04.62 in the 1,500, placing her within reach of the best runners in the world.

She is expected to further improve her world standing after graduating from Bronxville High School in New York in the spring, as she continues working with former marathon star Alberto Salazar, who coaches such standouts as Mo Farah, a double gold medalist at the London Olympics.

LAYDEN: Here comes Mary Cain