Swimmer Luka Mladenovic wins European bronze, to train with Michael Phelps' former coach

Luka Mladenovic has achieved a significant milestone in his swimming career, capturing a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke at the European Championships held in Paris. This marks his first medal on an Olympic-sized long course.

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It gives me a lot of self-confidence for the next major events, the World Championships next year, and then it's the Olympic year.

Following his success, Mladenovic is set to embark on a new chapter in his training. He has moved to the University of Texas to train under the guidance of Bob Bowman, the renowned coach who led Michael Phelps to numerous Olympic victories. This collaboration is expected to further propel Mladenovic's career forward.

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It is a mega-great honor that Bob sees something in me and takes me on.

Mladenovic, who previously trained at the University of Michigan where Phelps also laid the foundation for his career, expressed his enthusiasm and honor in working with Bowman. He believes this move will provide him with the optimal environment for development, citing the excellent facilities, including physiotherapy, medical support, and nutrition, all available within one building.

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We always update each other. I tell him how I feel in the water. He gives me feedback.

The 22-year-old Austrian swimmer is optimistic about his future prospects. He stated that the European Championship medal provides him with significant self-confidence for upcoming major events, including next year's World Championships and the subsequent Olympic year. Mladenovic is dedicated to his rigorous training regimen, sacrificing considerable free time in pursuit of his competitive goals.

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Physio, food, doctor, we have everything in one building. I am very grateful for that.