At 16 years old, Justin Northwest’s Cooper Lutkenhaus continues to prove that despite his youth, he can compete with the best runners in the world.

On Sunday at the United States Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field, Lutkenhaus posted a blistering 800-meter time of 1:42.27, setting the Under 18 World record.

Lutkenhaus’ performance earned him a spot on Team USA; he’ll compete at the World Championships that run from Sept. 13-21 in Tokyo. He obliterated his previous national record of 1:45.45, which he set in June, by more than three seconds.

In a late-race kick he has become known for, Lutkenhaus turned on the jets in the last 200-meters, going from seventh place to second. He defeated Olympian Bryce Hoppel, who holds the United States outdoo

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