American teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus turned professional at 16 and has since established himself as an elite competitor on the international track and field circuit. However, that changed when he was in Grade 8, just two years before turning professional. Then, in 2024, he ran 1:47.58 to break the U.S. high school freshman record and the Texas high school state record. “I feel like it would have been a good fit, but we felt as a team (with my coach and parents) that turning professional was the best idea.” When Lutkenhaus turned pro, he forfeited all eligibility for high school and collegiate competition.