The Guardian · US news · Original story
Cooper Lutkenhaus: US track phenom on family ties, LA 2028 and balancing stardom with high school
The 17-year-old dreamed of playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Now he is America’s next big track star, with another chance for gold at this week’s US championships
George Lutkenhaus and his family were rushing to the airport. There was a plane to catch and traffic was bad. Inside the car was a tense silence. In the back, a teenager, minding his own business, AirPods in, seemingly oblivious. Wife Tricia turned to George. “Are you OK?” she said.
“No, I am not OK!” he replied. “What just happened there was not normal! And he’s just sitting there in the back … ”
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Rob Draper · Thu, Jul 23, 2026, 2:00 AM
US news | The Guardian
The 17-year-old dreamed of playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Now he is America’s next big track star, with another chance for gold at this week’s US championships
George Lutkenhaus and his family were rushing to the airport. There was a plane to catch and traffic was bad. Inside the car was a tense silence. In the back, a teenager, minding his own business, AirPods in, seemingly oblivious. Wife Tricia turned to George. “Are you OK?” she said.
“No, I am not OK!” he replied. “What just happened there was not normal! And he’s just sitting there in the back … ”
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