Cooper Lutkenhaus Rewrites 800m National Record With 1:46.26

His performance didn't just re-write history-it felt inevitable. One year ago, Lutkenhaus broke the freshman class national record at the same meet with a 1:47.58, a mark that eclipsed the long-standing record of Michael Granville (Bell Gardens, CA). On this same track in Seattle, Lutkenhaus returned to rewrite the record books again-this time taking down Granville's outdoor national record of 1:46.45, which had stood unchallenged for 29 years.

Earlier this year, he already signaled what was coming. In March, Lutkenhaus ran 1:46.86 at the Millrose Games, setting the U.S. indoor high school record and falling just 0.41 seconds shy of the outdoor mark. His outdoor season continued to build momentum, with marks of 46.30 in the 400m, 1:47.04 in the 800m, and 4:06.33 in the mile-all signs pointing to a historic breakthrough.

Now holding both the indoor and outdoor national records in the 800 meters, Lutkenhaus has joined rare company in U.S. prep track history. Despite still being an underclassman, he has dominated an event typically ruled by seniors and has proven that the spotlight and pressure only fuel his rise. With two more years of high school ahead, the only records left for him to chase may very well be his own.

Cooper Lutkenhaus' Athlete Profile

 High School