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Luke Whitlock & Luka Mijatovic Impress With 400 Free Best Times During Heats of Olympic Trials

2024 U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS

The final event of the first U.S. Olympic Trials prelim session saw young guns continue to rise.

Two budding stars, Luke Whitlock (18) and Luka Mijatovic (15), clocked personal best times in the event. Whitlock stunned the final heat with a big-time swim of 3:46.42, which absolutely obliterated his previous lifetime standard of 3:49.10.

At last month’s Indy May Cup, Whitlock posted lifetime bests in the 400/800/1500 freestyle, swimming 3:49.10/7:50.20/15:07.94. It’s clear that he’s made yet another leap forward in just a month’s time, and he was already a real threat to contend for a Paris spot in the 800 free prior to this morning’s drop. He is slated to join the Florida Gators swim team, where he will train alongside the likes of Bobby Finke, Kieran Smith, and Katie Ledecky.

Whitlock rocketed himself to the 2nd fastest 17-18 400 freestyler in U.S. History with his swim.

All-Time Performers, U.S. Boys’ 17-18 400 Freestyle (LCM)

  1. Larsen Jensen, 3:46.08 – 2004
  2. Luke Whitlock, 3:46.42 – 2024
  3. Michael Phelps, 3:46.73 – 2003
  4. Klete Keller / Aaron Shackell, 3:47.00 – 2000 / 2003

Mijatovic, on the other hand, punched a time of 3:50.71 to lower his previous best of 3:51.18 from March. That makes him the fastest 15-year-old American ever, and 2nd fastest in the 15-16 age group. He narrowly missed the Larson Jensen’s NAG record of 3:50.68. He placed 12th overall and is anticipated to line-up for the 200, 800, and 1500 distances later next week.

Full Results (Final Qualifiers):

  1. Luke Whitlock (FAST), 3:46.42
  2. David Johnston (TST), 3:47.17
  3. Jake Mitchell (FLOR), 3:47.76
  4. Aaron Shackell (CSC), 3:47.96
  5. Jake Magahey (SA), 3:48.16
  6. Kieran Smith (RAC), 3:48.25
  7. Daniel Matheson (SUN), 3:48.57
  8. Bobby Finke (SPA), 3:48.63

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Greg
4 months ago

How many people had Whitlock anywhere in the top 4 in this event for their pick’ems?

Comet16
4 months ago

Would be nice if Mijatovic and a few other young guys could get a second swim in a B final but no such luck

1650
Reply to  Comet16
4 months ago

Cue Shaine Casas joke

Boxall's Railing
4 months ago
Last edited 4 months ago by Boxall's Railing
chickenlamp
4 months ago

For as much as this event has been maligned, it’s going to be a very exciting race tonight. I have absolutely no idea who’s going to get top 2 (Whitlock could, but I still think the 800 is his better chance). Finke’s front half looked really good for him–his first 200 was over a second faster than he’s gone before. Still a threat to make the team in this event, even from lane 8

Comet16
Reply to  chickenlamp
4 months ago

For Finke this is a bonus. It’s mainly to do some speed work. I still think Johnston and Smith will likely be the top two, winning time 3.45 which we know won’t be competitive in Paris

Beginner Swimmer at 25
4 months ago

Florida having a good meet so far 🐊

chickenlamp
Reply to  Beginner Swimmer at 25
4 months ago

half of the men’s 400 free final is former, current, or future Florida Gators

Indyswimfan
4 months ago

Enjoying all the people waking up to Whitlock today. He’s been seriously underrated. The 800 will be even better, I think.

1650
Reply to  Indyswimfan
4 months ago

1500 too

Jalen T
4 months ago

Luka a kid I dubbed the “next Phelps” and loved is more likely to make Junior Pan Pacs then the Olympics…..

owen
Reply to  Jalen T
4 months ago

you’re nowhere near the first person to call a fast age grouper the next phelps. tone down the expectations and let him swim

VFL
4 months ago

Future is bright! 😎

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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