Luka Mijatovic: 16-Year-Old Swim Phenom on Worlds, Recruiting & the 400 Free | Episode 265
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.
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Rylee Erisman Returns: 8 Medals at World Juniors & Her College Recruiting Journey Episode 264
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.
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Brett Hawke | Enhanced Games Head Coach on Ben Proud, Swimming’s Future & Athlete Debate Episode 262
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.
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Ben Proud and The Enhanced Games | Olympic Medalist Joins Controversial League | Episode 261
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.
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