Cooper Lutkenhaus, the 16-year-old record-breaking sensation in the 800 meters, became one of the youngest U.S. runners to turn pro by signing with Nike on Monday.

The junior at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, reached the decision after long talks with his family. The idea wasn’t really even on the radar until earlier this month at nationals when he ran in 1 minute, 42.27 seconds to finish second.

It was an under-18 world record and the fourth-fastest of any age by an American. It also earned him a spot for world championships next month in Tokyo.

“I feel like it’s the right decision in our eyes to be able to compete against the best in the world now,” Lutkenhaus said in an interview with The Associated Press. “Wherever you go, you’re going to have the best competition in the wo

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