US EditionCooper Lutkenhaus, Rising 16-Year-Old Track Star, Turns Professional With Nike
At 16, Lutkenhaus set a new world under-18 800m record with a time of 1:42.27, becoming the youngest U.S. athlete on the Tokyo World Championships team.
- On August 25, 2025, 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus signed a professional contract with Nike, ending his high school career in Texas.
- Lutkenhaus made this decision after a record-breaking season and discussions with his family, who supported his move to compete globally.
- He broke the under-18 world 800m record with a 1:42.27 run, finishing second at the U.S. Outdoor Championships in Eugene, securing a spot for the upcoming world championships in Tokyo.
- Lutkenhaus expressed to The Associated Press that, in their view, choosing to participate now gives them the opportunity to challenge the top athletes globally, showing his confidence in this course of action.
- Lutkenhaus, his family, and agent Ray Flynn are currently planning his professional racing schedule, marking the start of his transition to elite international competition.
19 Articles
19 Articles
It had to be decided. And the temptation was great. Cooper Lutkenhaus, the prodigious athlete from Dallas, the boy who beat the world records of 16, 17 and 18 years in a single race last August 3, has decided not to wait any longer. Also his parents. And Nike. The sports equipment company has just announced that it has signed a professional contract with Lutkenhaus (16 years). This first contract is believed to be around two million dollars but …
Northwest High running phenom Cooper Lutkenhaus turns pro, signs with Nike - Cross Timbers Gazette
Northwest High School junior Cooper Lutkenhaus announced Friday afternoon that he will be signing to run professionally with Nike, according to Track and Field insider Citius Mag. The 16-year-old running phenom will forego the rest of his high school and all of his collegiate eligibility in order to turn pro. Over the last year, Lutkenhaus set […]
High school student amazed the world by being second in the 800 trial after Brazier and will be the youngest American athlete ever to debut in a World Cup
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