The 16-year-old old running past professionals on his way to the 800-meter final at the USATF Outdoor Championships on Friday?
Nutrition - Weight Loss: Cooper Lutkenhaus.
The rising high school junior from Justin Northwest High School exemplified extreme poise in a high-pressure moment at Hayward Field, with the 16-year-old covering important ground over the final 100 meters to secure a time of 1:45.57. It was just a hair off his career best of 1:45.45.
Best yet, Lutkenhaus managed to overcome a near catastrophe at the 400-meter mark, with a nick at his feet that almost saw him stumble. For a moment, it forced him toward the back of the pack.
Leveraging his speed into the backstretch, Lutkenhaus began to reestablish himself and by the final straightaway, he put in his final surge, passing Christian Jackson and Isaiah Jewett to land his spot in the finals.
Needing a top-two placement to secure a spot, the Texan finished just behind Bryce Hoppel, last year’s U.S. Olympic Trials champion, to become the only American high schooler in history to reach a 800 meter U.S. Championship final.
It came after an impressive first round that saw the teenager finish on the heels of Josh Hoey, perhaps the American favorite over 800-meters, in 1:47.14. But it’s been that kind of season for Lutkenhaus.
CA Notice at Collection high school national record last held by Michael Granville. Lutkenhaus clocked a then-best of 1:46.26 at the Brooks PR Invitational, shattering the long-time mark in one fell swoop.
Less than two weeks later, on the very same track he ran on Friday, Lutkenhaus clocked his career best of 1:45.45 at Nike Outdoor Nationals. It was the a handful of high school athletes in history and fifth best among U.S. juniors.
How Cooper Lutkenhaus Compares To His Peers
He’s among a handful of high school athletes appearing at the USATF Outdoor Championships this weekend in Eugene, Oregon. Fellow teenager Quincy Wilson, a 2024 Olympian, was unable to make it out of the 400-meter first round on Friday.
“Just excitement,” Lutkenhaus said on Thursday after his first round run. “This is the end of the season for me. So, just trying to go out there. Racing the best athletes in the country and America. Getting to race against them has been super exciting.”
Before Lutkenhaus’ historic season, Granville’s former national record time of 1:46.45 stood since 1996. In fact, that same year in Atlanta, Granville moved on to the U.S. Championship, where he reached the quarterfinal in Atlanta.
Lutkenhaus’ dream stays alive for the men’s 800-meter final on Sunday at 4:26 p.m EST.
Find the Perfect Training Plan for You
Health & Injuries
Recommended Experience: No experience necessary! Anyone can accomplish this training plan.
Health & Injuries
Recommended Experience: How to Mimic Elite Runners’ Mechanics.
Health & Injuries
Recommended Experience: For a new runner who has been exercising regularly for at least a year, or someone who has completed a few 5Ks or 10Ks and can complete 6 miles in one workout. This plan peaks at 28 miles in a week with a 12-mile long run.
Health & Injuries
Recommended Experience: For runners comfortable exercising for at least an hour at a moderate effort. This plan peaks at 32 miles in a week with a 14-mile long run.
Health & Injuries
Recommended Experience: For a consistent runner used to regularly working out four to five times a week. The plan starts with a 10-mile long run and peaks at 44 to 47 miles a week with a 22-mile long run, helping you average under a 9:10 per mile come race day.
Cory Mull is a reporter and editor living in Austin, Texas. He’s run three marathons, completed a 50K, and has a beer mile best somewhere in the nine-minute range. His work has appeared in Forbes, FloTrack, MileSplit, and Runner’s World.
