Get ready for an exciting swim story! A New Record is Set!
At the 2025 U.S. Open, held in Austin, Texas, Luka Mijatovic made a splash and broke a long-standing record. He shattered Larsen Jensen's 15-16 National Age Group (NAG) record, which had stood for an impressive 23 years. With a time of 7:48.28 in the men's 800 freestyle, Mijatovic not only claimed victory but also etched his name in the history books.
But here's where it gets interesting... Mijatovic's achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the context. He improved upon his personal best by a whopping five seconds! And this is the part most people miss: his consistency throughout the race was exceptional, with almost every split under 30 seconds. Even the final 50 meters, where he charged home with a strong 27.53, showcased his determination and skill.
This breakthrough performance not only secured Mijatovic a spot as the #12 American all-time in the event but also moved him up from outside the top 25. Talk about a dramatic rise!
Let's take a closer look at the split comparison between his previous personal best and this record-breaking swim. It's a testament to his strategic pacing and endurance.
Split Comparison:
| Distance (m) | 2025 US Open | 2025 US Summer Nationals |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50 | 26.78 | 26.57 |
| 100 | 28.89 | 29.29 |
| 150 | 29.40 | 29.68 |
| 200 | 29.49 | 29.76 |
| 250 | 29.48 | 30.00 |
| 300 | 29.25 | 29.77 |
| 350 | 29.59 | 30.18 |
| 400 | 29.54 | 29.98 |
| 450 | 29.65 | 30.15 |
| 500 | 29.75 | 29.95 |
| 550 | 29.87 | 30.38 |
| 600 | 29.96 | 30.07 |
| 650 | 29.72 | 30.43 |
| 700 | 30.00 | 29.57 |
| 750 | 29.38 | 29.82 |
| 800 | 27.53 | 28.20 |
As you can see, Mijatovic's splits were remarkably consistent, and his ability to maintain that pace is truly impressive.
So, what do you think? Is this a sign of a new swimming star on the rise? Or is there more to this story that we should explore? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss and celebrate this exciting moment in swimming history together.
