With Stellar 400 Freestyle, Luka Mijatovic Sets Latest NAG Record at U.S. Open
Just a few weeks after he established National Age Group (NAG) records in the 500-yard freestyle and 1000 freestyle, 16-year-old Luka Mijatovic took his record-breaking ways to the long-course pool on Thursday night. Racing in the final of the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. Open, Mijatovic clocked a performance of 3:45.30, which bettered his previous standard of 3:45.72. The mark is also faster than the 17-18 NAG record, which sits at 3:46.01.
Having recently committed to the University of Texas for his collegiate career, Mijatovic notched a second-place showing behind Frenchman Leon Marchand. The youngster was out in 53.94 at the 100-meter mark, made the turn at the midway point in 1:51.37 and split 2:49.14 at the 300-meter turn. Down the last two lengths, Mijatovic managed a split of 56.16 for his latest NAG standard. Marchand won the race in 3:44.70, a personal best that further emphasized the versatility of the four-time Olympic champion.
Mijatovic qualified for last summer’s World Championships in Singapore in the 400 freestyle, but was unable to advance out of prelims. Like many of his teammates, Mijatovic was hit with a stomach virus that made peak performance an impossibility. His effort at the U.S. Open was reflective of his status as one of the rising stars in the sport.
On Friday morning, Mijatovic recorded a swim of 1:48.27 in the 200 freestyle, a performance that was good for ninth place.
