Justin Northwest phenom Cooper Lutkenhaus sets 800-meter national record
After 29 years, a new high school national record holder has emerged in the 800-meter.
Cooper Lutkenhaus of Justin Northwest High School, in the summer after his sophomore year, set the record (1:46.26) on Sunday at the Brooks PR Invitational at Renton Memorial Stadium. Michael Granville, the previous record holder, had a time of 1:46.45.
Mercer Island’s Owen Powell also had a strong showing with a 1:46.63 mark.
For Lutkenhaus, it’s another impressive accomplishment to add to the resume. At the UIL state track meet, he set the 800-meter Texas state record to defend his title. In 2026, he’ll have a rare opportunity to win three consecutive titles.
Before the UIL state meet, Lutkenhaus set the United States indoor 800-meter record (1:46.86) at the Milrose Games in February.
With two more years of high school remaining, the Northwest phenom is already established as one of the all-time greats In Texas’ history well before his 17th birthday in December.
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