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Lutkenhaus, 17, Wins World Indoor 800m to Become Youngest-Ever Individual World Champion

The Texas high school junior capped an undefeated indoor season with a world title, pointing his focus toward the upcoming outdoor championships.

Overview

  • He took gold in Toruń in 1:44.24, edging Belgium’s Eliott Crestan by 0.14 seconds, with Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui earning bronze.
  • At 17 years, 93 days, he is also the youngest individual medalist in World Indoor Championships history, surpassing Javier Sotomayor’s age mark.
  • He advanced as the only American in the 800m final after winning his semifinal in 1:44.29, the fastest time of the round.
  • His rapid rise included a 1:42.27 at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, a U18 world best that earned him a spot on Team USA.
  • He turned professional with Nike in 2025 and entered 2026 by winning the USATF Indoor 800m and setting an under‑20 indoor best of 1:44.03.