Sixteen-year-old American track star Cooper Lutkenhaus has turned pro.
“I’m just super excited and blessed for the opportunity,” Lutkenhaus said in an interview with Citius Mag. “To be able to run professionally at such a young age is not very common, so to be represented by the best brand is very exciting.
“I’ve been able to run fast at a young age but in this sport, nothing is ever guaranteed. I’m obviously going to take full advantage of what I’ve been able to do. Once I graduate from high school, I will still go to college.”
Lutkenhaus will become the United States’s youngest-ever athlete to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month.
The high schooler qualified for what will now be his professional debut by setting an under-18 world record in the 800m with a 1:42.27 at the US Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Lutkenhaus will be a junior this fall at Northwest High School in Texas. His 800m time is the fourth fastest in US history.