Youth Stars Challenge Veterans in 400m Freestyle for LA28
With two years until the 2028 Olympics, a mix of established champions and teenage talents are shaping a competitive battle in the men's 400-meter
The race for the 400-meter freestyle podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is taking shape, with a new generation of teenage swimmers emerging to challenge the event's established stars. Swimming World Magazine reports the dynamic was on display at recent major championships.
Recent Championship Performances
Australian Sam Short, a former world champion, delivered a standout performance of 3:40.52 at the Pan Pacific Championships. That time makes him the fifth-fastest performer in the event's history. At the European Championships, France's Leon Marchand won gold and set a national record with a time of 3:43.14.
German world-record holder Lukas Märtens, the reigning Olympic champion, finished nearly five seconds off his personal best of 3:39.96 at the European meet, clocking 3:44.57. The analysis suggests this performance is likely a temporary setback for the four-time World Championships medalist.
The Rising Teenage Contenders
At least six teenagers are positioned to challenge for spots on the road to LA28. China's 19-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo, the world junior record holder, has already lowered his best time from 3:42.82 to 3:41.55 and is expected to race at the upcoming Asian Games. American 17-year-old Luka Mijatovic, a University of Texas recruit, has broken the 3:44 barrier twice this summer and is seen as the future of U.S. Distance freestyle.
The teenage talent pool extends across Europe. Hungarian 16-year-old Oliver Papai used a strong second half to win the European Championships silver medal in 3:44.46. Russia's reigning world and European junior champion, Grigorii Vekovishchev, owns a best time of 3:44.58.
Event Selection and Development
A key question surrounds German 19-year-old Johannes Liebmann, who recently shattered the world record in the 1500-meter freestyle. While he has a 400-meter freestyle best of 3:44.59, he must decide if he can effectively contest the event alongside the 800m and 1500m distances. Meanwhile, American 19-year-old Ryan Erisman has made significant progress since joining the University of California, Berkeley program, now holding a best time of 3:44.03.
The following table compares the recent performances and personal bests of key swimmers mentioned in the source report:
| Swimmer | Nation | Age | Key Time | Event / Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Short | Australia | Not specified | 3:40.52 | Pan Pacific Championships, No. 5 performer all-time |
| Leon Marchand | France | Not specified | 3:43.14 | European Championships, National Record |
| Lukas Märtens | Germany | 24 | 3:44.57 | European Championships (off PB of 3:39.96) |
| Zhang Zhanshuo | China | 19 | 3:41.55 | World junior record holder, improved from 3:42.82 |
| Luka Mijatovic | USA | 17 | 3:43.45 | U.S. Nationals, also 3:43.67 at Junior Pan Pacs |
| Oliver Papai | Hungary | 16 | 3:44.46 | European Championships silver medalist |
| Grigorii Vekovishchev | Russia | Not specified | 3:44.58 | Reigning world & European junior champion |
| Ryan Erisman | USA | 19 | 3:44.03 | Made strides at Cal-Berkeley |
| Johannes Liebmann | Germany | 19 | 3:44.59 | Also world record holder in 1500m freestyle |
With multiple international competitions and national trials scheduled before the 2028 Olympic selection meets, the landscape in the 400-meter freestyle is expected to shift repeatedly. The event is poised to be a compelling mix of proven champions and ambitious newcomers vying for a place in Los Angeles.
