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

Cooper Lutkenhaus could be at any prep school in the country. Instead, the Nike-sponsored professional runner still attends Northwest High School in Justin, Texas—training with his friends and enjoying his teenage years.

The 17-year-old holds national high school records in the 800 meters and recently recorded the fourth-fastest time ever by an American in the event. He's bypassed college eligibility but hasn't bypassed high school altogether. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Lutkenhaus is taking an unconventional path that's working just fine.