Teen Track Phenom Balances Homework with History

Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16‑year‑old track phenom from Texas, saw his inaugural World Athletics Championships in Tokyo end earlier than hoped on Tuesday after failing to advance out of the men’s 800-meter heat. Despite falling short, there’s no doubt the teen will continue to stun the track and field world as his young career progresses.

Lutkenhaus is the youngest athlete to ever represent Team USA at the Track and Field World Championships. He finished in seventh place in the 800 meters with a time of 1:47.68. He was the only American in his heat. 

In August, the Justin, Texas, native ran one of the fastest 800m times in U.S. history at just 16 years old. His world-record-breaking finish sent shockwaves across the sport. Some called it one of the greatest feats in athletics history. He wasn’t expected to even qualify for the outdoor championships in Oregon in August, let alone break records. But the outstanding run led to a professional contract with Nike later in the month. 

Despite his growing list of accolades, Lutkenhaus is still a normal teenager. The Northwest High School band played and his classmates and peers cheered him on as he left his hometown to represent his country on the other side of the world. The high school junior even spent some time studying while in Tokyo. But he appreciated the fact that his teachers “didn’t make me do too much homework.”

“Coming into this meet I just wanted to see what I could do,” Lutkenhaus told NBC Sports in a post-race interview. “You know, some meets, it’s just not your day. And that’s what it was today. But I’m leaving with my head held high here.” 

He added that the entire experience helped him learn “how to be a professional.” Lutkenhaus looks forward to a long pro career in track and field. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics less than three years away, we can’t wait to see the prep star become a household name. 

Former Teen Prodigy Shatters Record in Tokyo

Another former teen star broke a record in Tokyo on Tuesday. Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone once qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics at just 16 years old.

Nearly a decade later, the four-time Olympic gold medalist is one of the most decorated track athletes in the world. She added another feat to her list of accolades Tuesday, shattering a 19-year American record.

McLaughlin-Levrone ran the 400m in 48.29 seconds, the 11th fastest time in history.