16-Year-Old Swimmer Breaks Michael Phelps’ Record

Luka Mijatovic, a 16-year-old swimmer, is now on the radar for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after breaking a record at the 2025 U.S. Swimming Championships that was once held by the legendary Michael Phelps.

Phelps is synonymous with greatness in swimming, having earned an unmatched 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds. His achievements set a very high bar.

But Mijatovic changed the game by clocking in a remarkable 200-meter freestyle time of 1:45.92, surpassing Phelps’ previous record of 1:45.99. It was on that final lap where Mijatovic pulled ahead.

While the upcoming Olympics are still a few years away, his performance certainly positions him as one to keep an eye on.

Earlier in May, he showcased his talent at the Scholastic Federation State Championships in California, where he took home titles in both the 500-yard and 200-yard freestyle events. This was all part of his journey to make his mark.

Mijatovic currently ranks first among high school swimmers in California. His dedication saw him racing alongside established Olympic athletes at the ongoing championships in Indianapolis. Notable competitors like Bobby Finke, Tori Hasuke, and the talented Katie Ledecky participated in the same event.

The stakes are high at these championships, as they serve as pathways for swimmers targeting spots at the World Championships in Singapore scheduled for July and August.