2025 U.S. Nationals: 16-year-old swimmer Luka Mijatovic breaks 200m freestyle age group record held by Michael Phelps
There's still three years before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but 16-year-old swimmer Luka Mijatovic is already turning some heads. Mijatovic broke a record previously held by Michael Phelps at the 2025 U.S. Nationals on Wednesday.
Mijatovic posted a 200-meter freestyle time of 1:45.92. That figure shattered the previous record for the 15-16 age group, which was 1:47.29.
If that weren't impressive enough, Mijatovic's time also set the record for the 17-18 age group, which was previously held by Michael Phelps, who posted a 1:45.99 time
Any time a swimmer can best Phelps, it's going to get attention. Phelps is one of the greatest swimmers — and one of the most accomplished Olympians — of all-time. He won a total of 28 medals at the games, and holds numerous Olympic records for his excellence.
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Mijatovic is already building an impressive resume. He placed first in both the 500-yard Free and 200-yard free events at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Championships in May. He's considered one of the top high school swimmers in the United States and ranks first among high school swimmers in California.
The 2025 U.S. Swimming Championships began Tuesday, and saw a number of Americans, including Katie Ledecky, Torri Huske and Bobby Finke turn in some excellent performances. The event — which is being held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis — will run through Saturday.
Winners of each individual event will qualify for the World Championships, which will be held in Singapore in July and August.
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