16-year-old Track Star Becomes Nike’s Youngest Pro Track Athlete After Record-Shattering Performance

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Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old track star who broke a world record in the 800 meters earlier this month, confirmed that he signed with Nike on Monday. With the deal, the Texas native becomes the youngest track athlete to ever sign a professional contract with the brand. Lutkenhaus’ next meet will be the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September. 

The contract is not an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), deal, but rather a fully professional contract. As such, Lutkenhaus forgoes his remaining high school and college eligibility. However, the young star will continue training with his teammates and coach, Chris Capeau, at Northwestern High School in Justin, Texas. He’ll continue to have access to Northwestern’s track for two more years and will still attend the school as a normal student.

 “It’s almost like nothing will really change besides just the uniform I have on my chest in races,” Lutkenhaus told Flo Track on Monday.  

Lutkenhaus stunned the world when he ran the 800 meters in 1:42.27 at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, at the beginning of August. The time is the fastest ever for a runner under 18 years old, and the fourth-fastest in American history. Lutkenhaus said he wasn’t expected to make the team, let alone outpace grown professionals for one of the most incredible races of the year. 

READ MORE ABOUT COOPER LUTKENHAUS AND HIS INCREDIBLE WORLD RECORD 

Per Forbes, the 16-year-old was pursued by multiple companies before ultimately deciding to sign with Nike.

Of the small number of youth middle-distance runners to turn pro, such as Olympian Alyson Felix, Lutkenhaus is the youngest. Both of Lutkenhaus’ parents were track athletes, and they helped the young star make his decision.

Lutkenhaus will represent Team USA at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 19.