The 2026 Pro Swim Series #2 in Westmont, Illinois is set to be a thrilling event with a star-studded lineup. The meet, scheduled for March 4-7, 2026, at the FMC Aquatic Center, promises to be a showcase of talent and competition. With a deep field of international swimmers, including many collegiate stars, the series is sure to inject energy into the sport.
One of the most highly anticipated races is the women's 800 free, where World Record holder Katie Ledecky of the USA will face off against Canada's Summer McIntosh, the heir to her throne. This rematch of the exciting race at the Paris Olympics is sure to be a highlight, as the two swimmers have only rarely raced head-to-head throughout their careers.
Ledecky is entered in her usual events, including the 200/400/800/1500 free, but she is also entered in the 400 IM, an underrated event in her repertoire where she has shown international-medal-caliber ability. McIntosh, on the other hand, is entered in six events and may scratch some, including the 200 fly, 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 free, 400 free, and 800 free.
The men's distance races are also expected to be highly competitive, with Ireland's Daniel Wiffen and American Bobby Finke leading the pack in the 800 and 1500. They will be joined by Australia's Sam Short, the silver medalist at Worlds in the 400 free and the 4th place finisher in the 1500. All three swimmers are regrouping after illnesses impacted their World Championship performances over the summer.
Other notable races include the women's backstroke events, featuring good international and domestic fields, especially in the 200. American Olympians Regan Smith, Phoebe Bacon, and Rhyan White, along with Isabelle Stadden, top Canadians Madison Kryger and Ingrid Wilm, and Mexican star Celia Pulido, an NCAA All-American, are all set to compete.
The meet also features a strong field in the men's 100 free, with names like Chris Guiliano, Caeleb Dressel, Destin Lasco, Matt King, Brooks Curry, Kieran Smith, and Finlay Knox and Yuri Kisil from Canada. Dressel will also swim the 50 free, 50 fly, and 100 fly.
In addition to the swimming events, the meet will also feature a strong field of American World Championship team members, including Luke Hobson, Gabriel Jett, Bobby Finke, Shaine Casas, Michael Andrew, Josh Matheny, AJ Pouch, Dare Rose, Carson Foster, Chris Guiliano, Destin Lasco, Gretchen Walsh, Katie Ledecky, Katharine Berkoff, Regan Smith, Alex Walsh, Emma Weyant, Simone Manuel, Anna Peplowski, and more.
The meet is sure to be a thrilling showcase of talent and competition, with many races that are sure to spark excitement and discussion among fans and swimmers alike. So mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic event!
