16-Year-Old Cooper Lutkenhaus Turns Pro Signs Nike Contract

Cooper Lutkenhaus, a 16-year-old middle-distance runner from Texas, has signed a professional contract with Nike, becoming one of the youngest American track athletes to turn pro. After setting a new under-18 world record in the 800 meters with a time of 1:42.27 at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, Lutkenhaus secured a spot on the U.S. team for the World Championships in Tokyo. Despite turning professional, he will continue attending high school and training with his current coach, maintaining a similar routine but focusing on professional competitions. His record-breaking performance marked the fourth-fastest 800m time ever by an American and shattered previous high school and youth records by significant margins. Lutkenhaus' decision to join Nike followed extensive discussions with his family and coach, and he chose Nike despite interest from multiple other companies, highlighting the brand's confidence in his potential. This move positions Lutkenhaus as a rising star in American middle-distance running and reflects a strategic shift to professional competition at a remarkably young age.