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Teenage sensation Cooper Lutkenhaus won the men’s 800m at Sunday’s BAUHAUS-Galan with a maturity that belied his tender years.
Former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Marco Arop is one of the most consistent and experienced performers on the international circuit. With customary authority, he stretched the field as he took the lead with 300 metres remaining.
But the 17-year-old Lutkenhaus tracked his every move and tucked into the Canadian’s slipstream around the bend. Entering the final straight, Lutkenhaus made a decisive move and glided past to win in 1:42.70, surely the first of many Diamond League victories in his blossoming career.
“I feel great. It was my first 800m race of the season, so to come away with the victory against athletes of that calibre, I’m really happy,” said Lutkenhaus.
“The race went exactly to plan. I put myself in a good position with 200m to go after gradually moving up through the field. I focused on myself throughout the race and didn’t worry too much about anyone else.”
Arop settled for second in 1:43.11, with the fast-finishing Algerian Slimane Moula a further 0.30 behind in third.
Diamond League Final winner Jacory Patterson suffered a surprise defeat in the men’s 400m. Running in lane five, the American looked to have the measure of his main rivals as they entered the home straight.
But out in lane eight, leader Zakithi Nene was running with tunnel vision.
Patterson may have expected the South African to fade, but the 28-year-old held his form in breezy conditions to win in 44.48, 0.21 seconds ahead of Patterson. Trinidadian Jereem Richards was third on 44,87.
“It’s crazy to have won my first Diamond League race. It’s a very special win for me here today, especially against such a strong field, so I’m happy,” said Nene afterwards.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos won for the fourth time in Stockholm, clocking 47.11. He led a Brazilian one-two, with Matheus Lima second in 47.37. Germany’s Emil Agyekum was third in 47.72.