Luka Mijatovic Becomes Youngest Boy to Break 8:00 Mark in LCM 800 Free With 7:59.64

2023 SUMMER JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Luka Mijatovic has broken four 13-14 National Age Group records this week, capping off his time in Irvine swimming a 7:59.64. Tonight’s swim broke his own precious record that stood at a 8:02.44 which he swam in June at US Nationals in Indianapolis.

Split Comparison:

Irvine Indy George Haines
50 27.23 27.13 27.51
100 29.7 29.58 30.63
150 30.18 30.19 30.5
200 30.26 30.27 30.72
250 30.24 30.44 30.77
300 30.45 30.53 31.03
350 30.42 30.47 30.7
400 30.67 30.79 31.22
450 30.57 30.67 30.84
500 30.41 30.63 31.36
550 30.45 30.79 30.82
600 30.39 31.04 30.91
650 30.26 30.44 30.72
700 30.32 30.46 30.74
750 29.55 30.23 30.3
800 28.54 28.78 29.19
7:59.64 8:02.44 8:07.96

Mijatovic also broke the old Summer Juniors meet record of 8:01.63 set by Johannes Calloni back in 2017.

This was Mijatovic’s fourth record of the meet. He has broken his own NAG records in the 13-14 200, 400, and 800 freestyles this meet. He also broke the 13-14 1500 freestyle NAG that had previously stood as the oldest record in the books.

Mijatovic is now the youngest swimmer to ever break the 8:00 mark in the 800 free. He also is the fastest 13-14 boy ever in the 800 free by almost 10 seconds as the #2 fastest 13-14 ever is Evan Pinion whose best time was a 8:08.75. Pinion is the former NAG record holder in the event.

Although not even 15 yet, Mijatovic’s time tonight would already place him at #5 in the 15-16 age group all-time.

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Paul Brown
11 months ago

Luka’s been on fire this year

Cynic
11 months ago

Hats off to Luka and his coaches. Nobody gives Steve Morsilli the credit he deserves. Steve consistently develops kids to their potential…he’s built an awesome program. It’s not for everyone, and you’d better be ready to work and cannot have a thin skin, In 30 years of watching him develop swimmers, I am certain that he cares about them as human beings and holds them to the highest standard. No matter how they wind up their career, they will always, ultimately, consider Steve a positive influence.

In evaluating those splits, all I can say of “wow”! Compared to his 8:02, he eliminated the 31, and dropped about .2/50. That’s awesome progress in just a couple months. This is the… Read more »

Sam
Reply to  Cynic
11 months ago

Luka was shaped by Mark Taliferro from Santa Clara Swim club. I have watched him ever since he was 9 years old. He was good at backstroke when he was under 10. He also improved a great deal under coach David Tambuwun of Pleasanton Seahawks.

SeahawkParent
Reply to  Sam
11 months ago

I’m sure Luka’s parents are extremely thankful to all coaches that have shaped his swimming so far, which include Coach Mark Taliaferro, with whom Luka swam for almost 6 years. And Coach David Tambuwan and now Coach Steve for the last 12 months.

D3SwimDude
11 months ago

Wow!

Khachaturian
11 months ago

coming for zhang lin

JT Thomas
11 months ago

Just an insane talent. And doesn’t appear to be a kid that just physically matured early.

Fukuoka Gold
11 months ago

..

Last edited 11 months ago by Fukuoka Gold
Luka Mijatovic Fanboy/Fangirl
11 months ago

Lots of heated conversation in the ready room with Norvin Clontz! Luka had a Phenomenal race and it was fun to watch his cheering squad follow him around!

PFA
11 months ago

We need an interview with this kid Braden or Mel

About Anya Pelshaw

Anya Pelshaw

Anya has been with SwimSwam since June 2021 as both a writer and social media coordinator. She was in attendance at the 2022 and 2023 Women's NCAA Championships writing and doing social media for SwimSwam. Currently, Anya is pursuing her B.A. in Economics and a minor in Government & Law at …

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