Cooper Lutkenhaus joined Cole Hocker, Olympic and World Champion (and American record holder) and Nikki HIltz (seven time U.S. champion, World Indoor silver medalist, Pan Am gold medalist, fifth in World Champs, 7th in Olympic Games) on a distance panel. He held his own, albeit a bit, I observed, star struck. Cole Hocker paid him a complement, ” Cooper deserves to be in these races, he does not need any advice..”, Nikki concurred.
Just after that presser, I had a few minutes with Cooper, who is always a respectful and thoughtful interview. I asked Cooper, who had won his three races as a NIKE pro athlete, going away, what his favorite race, as a pro was.
He responded about the Sound Running event. Now remember, on January 24, 2026, Cooper won the 800m at the Norb Sander Invite in 1:45.23. The Norb Sander race was an American U20 record and fastest EVER by a high schooler.
On February 1, at Millrose, Cooper won the 600 meters at Millrose Games in 1:14.15, another U20 World record, and world lead for the 600 meters!
On February 14, at the ASICS Sound Running Invite, Cooper ran a sizzling 1:44.03, setting a U20 World record and becoming #4 on the All time US indoor list!
Here is our interview:
#inthemixedzone, at presser, Cooper Lutkenhaus spoke about his favorite race as a pro, in 1:44.03 U20WR at Sound Running event at JDL FastTrack on February 14.
Interview by @larryeder for @RunBlogRun #usatfindoors, #oceanbreezeathleticscomplex, #nike, #nikerunning,… pic.twitter.com/5fXxTG8Sig
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) March 5, 2026