2023 GEORGE F. HAINES INTERNATIONAL SWIM MEET
- Thursday, June 8 – Sunday, June 11, 2023
- San Jose, CA
- Frank Fiscalini International Swim Center
- LCM (50 meters)
- Meet Central
- Psych Sheets
Though no Stanford or Cal swimmers were entered on night one of the 2023 George F. Haines International Swim Meet, there were still plenty of fast swims in the 1500 freestyle.
According to the Stanford coaching staff, many of the school’s top swimmers are currently in the middle of finals week. They confirmed that US Olympic medalist Claire Curzan has decided to scratch from the entire meet as the result of her exam conflicts. Curzan is currently wrapping up her freshman year at Stanford.
In the women’s 1500 freestyle, 47-year-old masters swimmer Heidi George swam a time of 17:28.78 to take the event by almost 10 seconds. George, a multi-time USMS National Champion and American Record holder, set a new American Record in the 45-49 age group in this event back in March with a time of 17:27.11.
Given that USMS Nationals isn’t until August, this swim is a strong sign for George as she looks to improve upon her record. Behind George, who was the oldest swimmer in the field by almost three decades, 15-year-old Lilly Caples finished second with a time of 17:38.17, coming in slightly off of her entry time.
14-year-old Luka Mijatovic took the win in the men’s race, coming in with a time of 15:47.19 — almost a minute under his best time of 16:41.14 from last year. With his swim, Mujatovic moved himself closer to the legendary U.S. boys’ 13-14 NAG of 15:31.03 that was set by Jesse Vassallo back in 1976. Mijatovic now ranks 11th all-time in the 13-14 age group in this event with his performance.
In the short course pool, Mijatovic set new 13-14 NAG Records in the 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, and 1650 freestyle this spring. In April, he came within two seconds of the NAG record in the 800 freestyle, swimming a time of 8:10.30, just off of the mark of 8:08.75. His swim made him the fastest 13-year-old ever to swim the event, and after recently turning 14, he seems primed to challenge the mark again.
17-year-old Devyn Caples finished second in the event, posting a time of 16:08.71, with 14-year-old Tim Wu claiming third by touching the wall in a time of 16:25.75.
#GetShareefElaydiAHeadline
After this summer we might need an update to the 10 oldest remaining NAG records because it’s definitely changed a lot from 2019.
When will we get a full picture of Luka? I have to believe he is massive!
Probably once he becomes full on legend after takin down that ol record up there.
I’m thinking that next April Luka will break Jesse Vassallo’s record in the mile- might be a lot to ask to get it done this summer after he dropped a minute in this meet.
Pretty amazing that a NAG record has lasted 47 years! Does anyone know what is the second oldest NAG Record (LC or SC)?
Bobby Hackett’s 15-16 NAG in the 1500 from the 1976 Olympics is the next oldest surviving NAG. Vassallo’s was set at Trials the month before Hackett’s.
Does anybody know anything about lil homie’s dual citizenship prospects? Name sounds Serbian or something like that
Luka’s parents are Serbian. He was born and raised in California (not a dual citizen).
I meant no disrespect by my comment btw. Best wishes to Luka, his fam, and the PLS fam. Make sure y’all are havin fun and stay cool this summer 🙂
Believe his parents are from Bosnia. He has already repped the US in the World Cup.
No, parents are Serbian. Luka was born and raised in California.
One can be Serbian and from Bosnia. I have no idea though.
I do know; parents aren’t from Bosnia.
Only the beginning of the summer we’re in for some big swims this summer for young Luka.
The construction worker!