Historic: A 17-year-old becomes world champion

American teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus became the youngest athletics world champion in history at the World Indoor Championships.

March 22, 2026

From: dpa/dl

At 17 years and 93 days old, Lutkenhaus, after his victory in the 800 meters at the World Championships in Poland, is also the youngest individual medalist ever, according to the world governing body – whether indoors or outdoors. Lutkenhaus took the lead in the final 300 meters from the finish and could not be caught by his competitors.

The teenager won in 1:44,24 minutes, ahead of Belgian Eliott Crestan, who finished in 1:44,38 minutes. Spaniard Mohamed Attaoui came in third.

Favorites in Poland are strong

One day after athletics star Mondo Duplantis won his fourth World Championship title indoors, another favorite also celebrated his fourth gold. New Zealander Tom Walsh triumphed in the shot put at the championships in Torun. The New Zealander had previously been the best in his discipline indoors in 2016, 2018, and 2025. At 34, Walsh is a real veteran compared to Lutkenhaus.

The day before, Swedish pole vault world record holder Armand "Mondo" Duplantis had once again dominated the competition with a jump of 6,25 meters. While the 26-year-old serial winner opted against another world record attempt, Swiss athlete Simon Ehammer celebrated a world record in the heptathlon.

Keywords Track & Field