Luka Mijatovic Fires Off 4:11.91 To Break National High School 500 Free Record

by Sean Griffin 38

May 17th, 2025 High School, News, Records

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  • May 15-17, 2025
  • Clovis West High School — Fresno, California
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Foothills sophomore Luka Mijatovic just broke the National High School (NHS) Record in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 4:11.91 during the finals of the CIF State Swimming and Diving Championships, held at Clovis West High School in Fresno, California.

The previous record was set by Rex Maurer in May 2023, when the then-Loyola senior clocked 4:12.70 while recovering from the flu.

Maurer went on to break the American record in the event this past November with a scorching 4:04.45, placing him 2nd on the all-time list, only behind four-time Olympic champion and French native Leon Marchand, who posted a 4:02.31 to win the 2024 NCAA title.

Mijatovic’s time today, while a new NHS record, is not a personal best, as he has previously swum as fast as 4:10.96. He posted that time in April to break the 15-16 National Age Group (NAG) Record, but because it was achieved outside of high school competition, it was not eligible to break Maurer’s high school standard.

Mijatovic maintained a pace faster than his NAG swim through the first 450 yards before slightly fading on the final 50, splitting 25.07 compared to his record split of 24.11. From the 100 mark onward, he consistently stayed ahead of Maurer’s pace and never looked back. Mijatovic’s 200 split today of 1:38.12 was particularly notable. 

See the full splits comparison below, featuring Mijatovic’s new high school record, Maurer’s previous mark, and Mijatovic’s personal best.

Splits Comparison

Mijatovic’s New National High School Record Maurer’s Previous National High School Record Mijatovic’s Best Time & 15-16 National Age Group Record
50-yards 22.59 22.53 22.96
100-yards 24.77 (47.36) 25.07 (47.60) 25.02 (47.98)
150-yards 25.03 (1:12.39) 25.60 (1:13.20) 25.57 (1:13.55)
200-yards 25.73 (1:38.12) 25.80 (1:39.00) 25.87 (1:39.42)
250-yards 25.71 (2:03.83) 25.69 (2:04.69) 25.69 (2:05.11)
300-yards 25.38 (2:29.21) 25.82 (2:30.51) 25.50 (2:30.61)
350-yards 25.82 (2:55.03) 25.71 (2:56.22) 25.38 (2:55.99)
400-yards 25.98 (3:21.01) 25.97 (3:22.19) 25.50 (3:21.49)
450-yards 25.83 (3:46.84) 25.87 (3:48.06) 25.36 (3:46.85)
500-yards 25.07 (4:11.91) 24.64 (4:12.70) 24.11 (4:10.96)

The 16-year-old, who trains with the Pleasanton Seahawks outside of high school competition, is widely regarded as one of America’s most promising distance talents in generations. He has already broken a total of 15 NAG records, including the oldest one on the books last July, when he surpassed Jesse Vassallo’s 1500-meter freestyle mark that had stood since 1976.

Mijatovic only just turned 16 on April 22nd, giving him a full year to continue rewriting the 15–16 NAG record books in both short course yards and long course meters. With two more years of high school eligibility remaining—should he choose to compete—his 500 free record has the potential to dip under the 4:10 mark by the time he graduates.

Race Video

Courtesy: Parker Fleischman on YouTube / NFHS Network

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Seth
18 days ago

My best 50 yard free time is his first 50.
Amazingly fast.

SaveSunny
19 days ago

Amazing accomplishment! He is such a great swimmer. I’m so looking forward to him becoming an equally good teammate and cut down on disrespecting his coaches.

summerbreezin
Reply to  SaveSunny
19 days ago

he’s a teenager bruh that’s normal

Dman
19 days ago

Still circle swimming a bit – coach needs to correct that with him

Bobthebuilderrocks
Reply to  Dman
19 days ago

Someone let Steve know!

CalBear
20 days ago

Impressive!

Spieker Pool Lap Swimmer
20 days ago

I hope this means we SwimSwam readers will get more up-to-date pictures of him.

Patrick
20 days ago

He does nothing off the walls. I like his LCM prospects.

EMG2020Transform
Reply to  Patrick
20 days ago

He already does matches the 4:02 guy in LCM xD

Washed up
20 days ago

Kid is electric, reminder he is a fresh 16

TimeKeeper
20 days ago

Has he committed to Texas yet?

47.84
Reply to  TimeKeeper
20 days ago

Word around the street is that Luka has already committed but won’t announce for another 12-16 months.

Bobthebuilderrocks
Reply to  47.84
20 days ago

Don’t mess with me like that

47.84
Reply to  Bobthebuilderrocks
20 days ago

Honestly shook that many people upvoted a complete bs comment lmfao

Bobthebuilderrocks
Reply to  47.84
19 days ago

I hadn’t even upvoted it until now, haha. All 25 of us are just manifesting his commitment to Texas, don’t mind us.

Hank
Reply to  47.84
19 days ago

Committed to CAL you mean?