GameDay Network

Cooper Lutkenhaus: The High School Student Who Turned Pro & Broke Records

February 23, 2026
Meet Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 17-year-old Nike pro runner shattering 800m records while still attending high school in Justin, Texas.
Cooper Lutkenhaus is redefining what it means to be a high school athlete. Hailing from Justin, Texas, the 17-year-old attends Northwest High School just like his peers, but his track career is anything but ordinary. Cooper holds national high school records for the 800 meters and recently recorded the fourth-fastest time ever by an American in the event. Now a Nike-sponsored professional, he has bypassed collegiate competition but remains dedicated to his high school teammates and education. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Cooper remains focused on his daily training while enjoying the camaraderie of his friends.