The Pacific Swimming LCM Senior Open, held in Concord, California, on April 18-19, 2026, was a showcase of exceptional talent in the world of swimming. The event brought together some of the top swimmers in the country, with a particular focus on the 15-16 age group. Among the standout performers were Mikayla Tan and Luka Mijatovic, who made significant strides in their respective events.
Mikayla Tan's Impressive Performance
Mikayla Tan, a 16-year-old from San Ramon Valley Aquatics, dominated the breaststroke events, setting new personal best times in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Her 100 breast time of 1:08.74 was a remarkable achievement, breaking the 1:09 barrier for the first time and ranking her 18th all-time in the girls' 15-16 age group. This improvement on her previous best of 1:09.18, set at the World Juniors, showcases her dedication and talent. Tan's performance in the 200 breast, with a time of 2:28.11, further solidifies her position as the 17th-fastest girl ever in the 15-16 age group.
Tan's versatility was on full display as she also claimed victories in the 100 fly and 200 IM. Her 100 fly time of 1:01.92, while not quite reaching her lifetime best of 1:01.86, still ranked her 8th in the age group this season. In the 200 IM, Tan's season-best of 2:17.28, just over two seconds shy of her best time, further highlights her all-around prowess. Tan's performances have undoubtedly solidified her place as a rising star in the world of swimming.
Luka Mijatovic's Impressive Progress
On the boys' side, top-ranked recruit and multi-time NAG record holder Luka Mijatovic made his long course debut in 2026, showcasing his exceptional talent. In the 1500 free, Mijatovic logged a time of 15:17.02, the third-fastest swim of his career, and just over a second shy of his personal best. This performance ranks him 1st in the 15-16 age group and 4th overall in the country this season. Mijatovic's 200 breast time of 2:27.89, a new lifetime best, further cements his status as a top swimmer.
Mijatovic's versatility was evident in his performances in the 50 free, 100 back, and 100 fly. While his personal bests in those events stand at 23.98, 59.15, and 54.60, respectively, his times in the 1500 free and 200 breast demonstrate his ability to excel in various distances.
Other Notable Performances
The event also witnessed impressive performances from other swimmers, such as Ayden Tan, Mikayla Tan's younger brother, who clocked 59.87 in the 100 fly and 1:01.72 in the 100 back, narrowly missing his lifetime bests. Eli Kim, a 13-year-old from the Pleasanton Seahawks, had a standout showing, going seven-for-seven in personal best times, with notable improvements in the 400 free and 200 IM.
Aya Gillis-Pade from the Santa Clara Swim Club ranked 2nd in the girls' 13-14 age group in the 100 back with a time of 1:04.15, while Daniela Linares-Danzos, a 15-year-old Pleasanton Seahawk, won the girls' 100 back in 1:03.15, setting a personal best.
Conclusion
The Pacific Swimming LCM Senior Open was a testament to the rising talent in the world of swimming. Mikayla Tan and Luka Mijatovic's performances showcased their dedication, versatility, and exceptional skill. As they continue to make strides in their respective events, the future of swimming looks bright, with these young athletes leading the way.
