Hold onto your swim caps, because history has just been made in the pool! Luka Mijatovic has shattered a 23-year-old National Age Group (NAG) record in the 800-meter freestyle, clocking an astonishing 7:48.28 at the 2025 U.S. Open. This young swimmer didn’t just break Larsen Jensen’s long-standing record of 7:52.05 from the 2002 Pan Pac Championships—he obliterated it, slicing five seconds off his own personal best in the process. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Mijatovic’s performance catapulted him to the #12 spot among all-time American performers in this event, leaping from outside the top 25. And this is the part most people miss—his splits were nearly flawless, consistently staying under the 30-second mark, with a blistering 27.53 final 50 meters that sealed the deal.
The 2025 U.S. Open, held from December 3-6 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas, was a showcase of elite swimming talent. With prelims starting at 10 a.m. EST and finals at 7 p.m. EST (5 p.m. on Day 1), the event featured long-course meters (LCM) racing and drew competitors from across the globe. Mijatovic’s victory in the men’s 800 freestyle timed finals was a highlight, but he wasn’t alone in his brilliance. Ilia Sibirtsev (UZB) and Luke Whitlock (IU) rounded out the top three, with swimming powerhouse Bobby Finke finishing fifth, just behind Carson Foster.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Mijatovic’s record-breaking performance a sign of things to come, or is it a one-off achievement? Some might argue that his consistent splits and ability to stay under 30 seconds for nearly the entire race indicate a swimmer with untapped potential. Others might point to the pressure of maintaining such high standards in future competitions. What do you think? Is Mijatovic the next big name in long-distance freestyle, or is this record just a stepping stone in his career? Let’s dive into the discussion in the comments below!
For those eager to relive the excitement, the event’s live recaps, psych sheets, and results are available online. And if you’re curious about where Mijatovic stands among the all-time greats, here’s a quick look at the top U.S. performers in the men’s LCM 800 free—Mijatovic’s name is now etched among legends like Bobby Finke, Michael McBroom, and Larsen Jensen himself. Will he climb even higher? Only time—and the pool—will tell.
