
via Imago
Credits: Instagram

via Imago
Credits: Instagram
While the world was fixated on the Diamond League and the looming Tokyo World Championships, 16-year-old phenom Cooper Lutkenhaus quietly stormed onto the scene, leaving everyone stunned. The news? Lutkenhaus is turning pro, and with it, he’s leaving all his college records in the past. That’s right: the record-smashing teen, who obliterated his own 800m high school mark and shattered the U18 world record with a jaw-dropping 1:42.27 runner-up finish at last month’s USATF Championship, has decided to forgo all remaining high school and collegiate eligibility to embark on a professional career.
Talking to the CITIUS MAG, Lutkenhaus expressed his excitement as he signed with Nike to turn professional, “I’m just super excited and blessed for the opportunity. 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.” The Texas native made the decision after a long discussion with his family. It’s not the first time a brand has approached him for a promotional deal, but Nike seemed different, or at least that’s what his father believed.
Interestingly, turning pro wasn’t even on the 16-year-old’s radar this soon; however, it appears that Nike certainly threw a Texas-sized deal at them. Nike’s North American athlete manager, Paul Moser, already had his eyes on the young talent, especially after he smashed the high school national 800m record with a 1:46.26 at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle, breaking Michael Granville’s 29-year-old mark of 1:46.45. Soon after his record-breaking performance, he lowered his mark once again to 1:45.45 at Nike Outdoor Nationals.
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✍️ BREAKING NEWS: Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old high school star who shattered his own U.S. 800m high school record and broke the 800m U18 world record with a 1:42.27 runner-up finish at last month’s U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships, has opted to forego all of his… pic.twitter.com/ORkqXEZgUD
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) August 25, 2025
By the time he reached the USATF Championships, he was already at his peak. Although he wasn’t expecting a spot on the U.S. team for the Tokyo World Championships, his 1:42.27 not only secured him a place on the team but also made him the youngest American ever to qualify for a senior world championship squad. After witnessing such a rise, Moser didn’t stay idle as he rushed forward to close a deal with the young athlete.
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For now, Lutkenhaus will stay enrolled at Northwest High School in Texas. Represented by veteran agent Ray Flynn of Flynn Sports, who boasts over three decades of managing elite athletes, he’ll continue training under head cross country and track coach Chris Capeau. Meanwhile, classes officially kicked off on August 13. The news of his turning pro caught like wildfire; however, the fans are a bit skeptical.
Cooper Lutkenhaus’ decision to turn pro garners mixed reactions
Having already broken multiple records and becoming the fourth-fastest 800m runner in U.S. history, 18th all-time, Cooper Lutkenhaus now has a serious opportunity to cement his name among the world’s greats. Echoing the same sentiment, a fan added, “Not surprising. He can always go back to college… but at the moment, he has an amazing opportunity to be a world record holder.”
Allyson Felix was one of Nike’s most elite athletes. However, after a series of underwhelming performances, Nike began to view her as a liability. In 2017, her contract with the apparel company lapsed. Nike did offer a renewal, but with a 70% pay cut compared to her previous earnings. Felix requested contractual protections to ensure she wouldn’t lose compensation while recovering from pregnancy, but Nike refused. Following a wave of backlash, Nike revised its maternity policy, but Felix chose to part ways and signed with Athleta in 2019. A fan expressed that Cooper Lutkenhaus did agree with Nike’s terms now considering the fact that he is at the top of his game but he might regret it later, “With NIL I don’t believe this was a smart decision, if he get hurt, shoe companies like Nike will reduce his contract in a heartbeat, they did it Allison Felix and if they did it to her, they would definitely do it to him!!!
What’s your perspective on:
Is Cooper Lutkenhaus making a smart move by going pro, or is he risking it all too soon?
Have an interesting take?
In contrast to the previous critical takes, some fans expressed a more laid-back perspective on the decision. One social media user wrote, “No reason for him to run HS or college. I’m not mad at it.” Another fan echoed similar sentiments, stating, “It totally makes sense when he is 10 seconds faster than the very fast high schoolers.”
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However, not everyone saw it coming this early. As one user admitted, “Not surprising honestly. I am a little shocked that he signed so soon, though. I thought he would wait at least until his senior year, where he could benefit from NIL. I would love to know how much his contract is worth.” Last but not the least, another fan warned Lutkenhaus about the fallout of professional athletes after turning pro, “How many times we have to tell them don’t do this! It never ends well.”
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Lutkenhaus is certainly happy with what he has achieved at such a young age. Speaking to Citius Mag, he explained that he won’t let this opportunity slip away. “I just think the opportunity was given, and being able to do it at such a young age. If Nike is coming to me and saying, ‘Hey, we want you to be a part of the team.’ I feel like, in a way, that means you’re kind of ready to go. It was just crazy being able to be signed with them.” With his eye set on the Tokyo World Championship, Lutkenhaus is certain that he will perform another record-breaking feat, but will he regret his decision? Well, time will tell.
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Is Cooper Lutkenhaus making a smart move by going pro, or is he risking it all too soon?