Northwest High School junior will take the track for Team USA

By Macy Bayer, Staff Writer

Published Sep 15, 2025

Cooper Lutkenhaus, a junior at Northwest High School, sets a world under-18 record at the USA Track and Field Finals. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

The 16-year-old who holds the under-18 world record in the 800-meter is in Tokyo preparing to represent the U.S. next week at the World Athletics Championships. Cooper Lutkenhaus of Justin, Texas, stunned the running world this summer with his second-place 1:42.27 finish in the men’s 800-meter final at the USA Track and Field Finals in Eugene, Oregon.

That race did more than set a record. Lutkenhaus went pro and signed with Nike, making him the youngest track athlete to represent the brand.

“Being able to race against the best guys in the world was a special moment,” Lutkenhaus said. “Actually competing with them and earning the second-place spot made it even more exciting.” (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

“I told Cooper after the semifinal race, ‘Your life just changed,’” his father, George Lutkenhaus, said. “After the final two days later, it really changed.”

Lutkenhaus’ classmates gave him a sendoff to Tokyo on Sept. 8, complete with cheerleaders and signs wishing him good luck.

“It’s really incredible to be one of the youngest athletes in the world to turn professional,” Cooper Lutkenhaus said. “Not many people get this opportunity, so to be able to do it at such a young age is definitely exciting.”

Cooper will line up alongside Team USA veterans Donavan Brazier and Bryce Hoppel.

“Whenever I step on that track, everything changes mentally,” Lutkenhaus said. “Obviously, winning is the goal, but you’ve got to have the mindset that you’re going to give it your all no matter what.”

Lutkenhaus said his daily routine looks much the same.

While he is no longer eligible to compete for Northwest High School, he still attends school at Northwest, trains with his high school coach and practices with the same teammates who have been by his side since middle school.

Lutkenhaus said neither he nor his teammates expected his record-breaking performance.

Cooper finishes behind Team USA veteran Donavan Brazier and ahead of American 800-meter record holder Bryce Hoppel. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

“They definitely didn’t see it coming, and they train with me every morning,” Lutkenhaus said. “When I got back to practice after the race, they all came and gave me a big hug. Sharing that moment with them means a lot.”

His father, who ran track for the University of North Texas, said Cooper understands that this moment is fleeting.

“Running is great and that’s what he’s known for, but it doesn’t last forever,” George Lutkenhaus said. “If you talk to Cooper’s teachers and coaches, you’ll see he is just a great kid. How you treat others and how you carry yourself lasts forever, and Cooper knows that.”