INDIANAPOLIS – Cooper Lutkenhaus Named USATF Athlete of the Week After Record-Breaking 800m Run…

INDIANAPOLIS – Cooper Lutkenhaus Named USATF Athlete of the Week After Record-Breaking 800m Run

 

Cooper Lutkenhaus etched his name into the history books this past week, delivering a jaw-dropping performance in the boys’ 800 meters that not only set a new national high school record but also earned him the honor of being named the 24th USATF Athlete of the Week for 2025.

The performance took place at a highly anticipated national invitational meet, where the crowd witnessed what many are calling one of the greatest 800m races ever run by a U.S. high school athlete. Lutkenhaus, a senior from Texas, crossed the finish line in 1:45.32, obliterating the previous high school record and stunning the track and field community with his composure, strategy, and raw speed.

Prior to this race, the national high school record for the 800 meters stood at 1:46.45, set by Michael Granville in 1996—a mark that had stood for nearly three decades. Granville’s time was often viewed as one of the most unbreakable records in high school track and field. That perception changed the moment Lutkenhaus surged past the 600-meter mark and kicked into a gear few believed possible at the prep level.

“Breaking a record like that takes a special kind of talent and dedication,” said USATF in a statement announcing his selection as Athlete of the Week. “Cooper’s performance was not only historic—it was fearless. He took control of the race early and never let up.”

Lutkenhaus has been on the radar of track enthusiasts for the past year, thanks to a string of impressive wins and consistent sub-1:50 times. But this race was different. With the nation’s top talent lined up beside him, and under pressure from intense media attention and college scouts, the 18-year-old displayed remarkable maturity. After a conservative opening 200 meters, he gradually accelerated and executed a nearly perfect negative split race, a rarity at any level in the 800 meters.

His coach, David Simmons, expressed both pride and awe after the race. “We knew he was capable of something special, but to see him take down a 29-year-old record—it was surreal. Cooper is relentless in training, a student of the sport, and one of the most disciplined athletes I’ve ever coached.”

The historic performance has already sparked conversations about Lutkenhaus’s future in track and field. With multiple NCAA Division I scholarship offers reportedly on the table and international attention growing, the young middle-distance star has many options ahead. Some have even speculated that he could qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials, depending on how his post-season unfolds.

For now, Lutkenhaus is staying grounded. “It’s an honor to be recognized by USATF,” he said in a brief interview after the race. “Breaking that record was a goal, but I didn’t think it would happen this soon. I’m just thankful for my coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me.”

With his record-breaking run and national recognition, Cooper Lutkenhaus has joined an elite list of high school legends, and he’s only just getting started.