Luka Mijatovic: 16-Year-Old Swim Phenom on Worlds, Recruiting & the 400 Free | Episode 265

We’re diving into the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup with Bobby Hurley — former world champion swimmer, World Cup star, and one of the sharpest voices in swimming commentary. From his unique insider perspective, Bobby breaks down everything that makes this year’s World Cup series so compelling: the new format, prize money, and its place in the global swimming calendar. We compare today’s three-stop tour with the eight-stop grind from Bobby’s era, and unpack standout performances from Carmel — including Gretchen Walsh’s stunning new world record. Plus, we go deep on the big debates: • Who are the best short-course swimmers to never win a major long-course title? • How would Michael Phelps have performed in today’s short-course World Cup format? • What does the World Cup really mean for a swimmer’s training and career? Whether you’re a lifelong swim fan or just discovering the sport, this episode delivers expert insight, bold opinions, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of swimming’s most exciting events.  

2023 World Champion 🏆 and Olympic medalist Sam Short joins The Social Kick Podcast for a deep dive into what drives one of the world’s best distance swimmers. Sam’s already redefining what it means to go the distance — from his brutal training sets that have become the stuff of legend, to the mental toughness it takes to dominate the 400 and 1500 on the world stage. In this episode, Sam talks about: The mindset that separates good from great in distance swimming What it’s like chasing Australian icons like Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe His favorite (and toughest) workouts Rivalries, rule changes, and the future of the sport Life outside the pool — food, tattoos, and film obsessions It’s an unfiltered look at a world champion’s world — equal parts grind, grit, and Aussie pride. 🎙️ Catch more conversations with the world’s best swimmers every week on The Social Kick Podcast.

At just 16 years old, Luka Mijatovic became the fastest 18 & under swimmer ever in the United States. After a breakthrough summer, he earned a spot on his first senior international team and represented Team USA at the World Championships. In this episode, Luka opens up about: The tough lessons learned after a team-wide illness left him drained at Worlds 🌍 His college recruiting journey, why he only took three official visits, and what excites him about training where he isn’t the fastest swimmer in the pool 🎓 The brutal training sets that tested his limits 💪 The Olympic gold medalist who texted him encouragement 🥇 His bold prediction for the future of the 400 freestyle 🔥 Luka’s story is one of resilience, hunger, and fearless ambition. Don’t miss this conversation with one of swimming’s brightest young stars. 🎧 Subscribe to Social Kick for more conversations with the world’s top swimmers, coaches, and innovators in the sport.

Rylee Erisman is back on Social Kick! Fresh off a historic summer at the World Junior Championships, Rylee won 8 medals (5 gold, 3 silver), including individual titles in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She capped the meet with an unforgettable triple in the final session—winning 2 events and medaling in all 3 races in less than an hour. In this episode, Rylee reflects on what she learned from her breakout summer, shares what it feels like to join the U.S. senior national team ahead of Pan Pacs, and talks through the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) process of college recruiting. From her training expectations to what she’s looking for in a program, Rylee gives us an inside look at the next chapter of her swimming journey.

McKenzie Siroky’s journey from hockey rinks to Team USA swimming is anything but typical. A breakout sprint breaststroker, McKenzie talks about her path to the World Championships, training and racing at Tennessee, and how lifting and explosive power fuel her speed. She shares stories from recruiting, gap year choices, and quirky behind-the-block rituals, while opening up about the challenges of racing on the world stage. Funny, insightful, and full of personality, this is McKenzie Siroky like you’ve never heard her before.

Brett Hawke is back—now as Head Coach of swimming for the Enhanced Games. He talks about the bold move to join the Games, the signing of Ben Proud, athlete health vs. shortcuts, and why sprint events and new formats could change the sport.

Olympic medalist and World Champion Ben Proud has stunned the swimming world by retiring from professional swimming to join the controversial Enhance Games. In this episode of The Social Kick Podcast, we break down what this means for the sport: Why Proud’s decision is so shocking The reaction from governing bodies like Aquatics GB Whether clean athletes can compete in Enhance Games What this move signals for athlete pay and the future of swimming Is this the start of a new chapter for athletes — or a risk to Proud’s legacy? Tune in as we unpack the biggest story in swimming right now.

Jack Alexy is back on Social Kick! Fresh off Worlds, the American record holder dives into the mindset shift that unlocked his 46s—and that wild 45.9 relay split. We break down how 200 free training boosted his 100, the backend-50 sets he loves, and why slowing his tempo led to his fastest swim of the year. Jack also shares thoughts on Team USA’s performances in Paris and Singapore, Pan Pacs selection, the Enhanced Games debate, his World Cup debut, and how a goofy smile in the ready room keeps racing fun.

Australian sprinter Jamie Jack joins Social Kick fresh off a breakout season! We talk sprint training at St. Peters with Dean Boxall, racing the 50 free, working alongside Cam McEvoy, and the mindset behind becoming one of the world’s next great sprinters.

Fresh off a breakout summer on Team USA, Tommy Janton joins Social Kick to talk about his wild ride through Worlds, winning a U.S. national title from lane one, and embracing the nickname “Crocodile Man.” We get into everything from goggle strap fashion faux pas to Shake Shack saves during team illness, plus why Tommy’s sticking with goggles-over-the-cap no matter what anyone says. He reflects on Notre Dame’s unique team journey, the pressure of representing the U.S. backstroke group, and what it takes to bring home a relay medal after a brutal week in Singapore. Oh, and yes—he’s got opinions on the hardest race in swimming, his dream sponsors, and the underrated dolphin kickers you should be watching.