Get ready for a swimming showdown that’s set to make waves! The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, is gearing up to be a spectacle of speed, endurance, and rivalry, with the highly anticipated rematch between Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh in the 800-meter freestyle stealing the spotlight. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—this event is packed with star power, thrilling races, and storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Here’s the scoop: The second stop of the Pro Swim Series, scheduled for March 4-7, 2026, at the FMC Aquatic Center, promises to be a highlight in the swimming calendar. With a deeper field than the Austin meet—around 75 more swimmers—this event is injecting fresh energy into the series, even as collegiate stars focus on their own competitions. And while the distance races are the main attraction, there’s so much more to dive into.
Ledecky vs. McIntosh: The Rematch We’ve All Been Waiting For
The women’s 800-meter freestyle is undoubtedly the race of the meet. Reigning World Record holder Katie Ledecky of the USA will face off against Canada’s Summer McIntosh, the rising star often seen as the heir to Ledecky’s throne. Their head-to-head battles have been rare, but their rivalry in this event has been nothing short of electrifying. While McIntosh is entered in six events—200 fly, 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 free, 400 free, and 800 free—fans are already buzzing about this potential showdown. Ledecky, meanwhile, is sticking to her usual lineup of 200/400/800/1500 free, with a surprise entry in the 400 IM, an event where she’s shown medal-worthy potential.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is McIntosh ready to dethrone the queen of distance swimming? Or will Ledecky prove once again why she’s the undisputed champion? This race isn’t just about speed—it’s about legacy, strategy, and the mental game. What do you think? Can McIntosh pull off the upset, or will Ledecky reign supreme?
Men’s Distance Races: A Battle of Depth and Resilience
If the women’s 800 free is about rivalry, the men’s distance races are about depth and redemption. Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen and America’s Bobby Finke are the top seeds in the 800 and 1500 meters, but they’ll face stiff competition from Australia’s Sam Short, the silver medalist at Worlds in the 400 free. All three swimmers are bouncing back from illnesses that impacted their World Championship performances—Finke and Short battled food poisoning, while Wiffen faced appendicitis. With double prize money on the line in the 800 meters, expect these athletes to leave it all in the pool.
And this is the part most people miss: Short set the Pro Swim Series Record in the 800 free last year with a time of 7:45.02, a mark that would have easily won in Austin earlier this year. Will he reclaim his dominance, or will Wiffen and Finke spoil his comeback?
Beyond the Distance: Races to Watch
The meet isn’t just about long-distance battles. Here are some other highlights:
- Women’s Backstroke: A star-studded field in the 200-meter backstroke includes Olympians Regan Smith, Phoebe Bacon, and Rhyan White, along with rising talents like Isabelle Stadden and Canadian stars Madison Kryger and Ingrid Wilm.
- Regan Smith’s New Challenge: Smith is stepping out of her comfort zone with entries in the 200 free and 400 IM, events she hasn’t traditionally raced. Could this be the start of a new chapter in her career?
- Leon Marchand’s Versatility: The world’s best male swimmer is skipping his signature IM events but is entered in the 200 back, 100 breast, 200 breast, and 200 free. Will he dominate across disciplines, or will he face unexpected challenges?
- Kate Douglass’s Focus: Team USA’s breaststroke needs are front and center as Douglass competes in the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. Can she fill the gap for her team?
- Gretchen Walsh’s Speed: Skipping her signature 50 fly, Walsh will focus on the 100 fly and 50 free, where she’ll face tough competition from Simone Manuel, Maxine Parker, and others.
- Alex Walsh’s Return: After missing the Austin stop, Alex Walsh is back, taking on Summer McIntosh in the 200 IM and competing in the 50 breast, 100 fly, and 200 free.
- Men’s 100 Free: A stacked field includes Chris Guiliano, Caeleb Dressel, Destin Lasco, and Canadian stars Finlay Knox and Yuri Kisil. Who will come out on top in this sprint showdown?
Thought-Provoking Question: With so many big names paring back their schedules, are we seeing a shift in strategy as swimmers focus on specific events for the LA Games? Or is this just a temporary adjustment?
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Pro Swim Series in Westmont is more than just a meet—it’s a preview of the future of swimming. From Ledecky vs. McIntosh to the men’s distance battles and everything in between, this event is packed with drama, talent, and potential. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? One thing’s for sure: you won’t want to miss a single stroke. Let us know in the comments—which race are you most excited about, and who’s your pick to win?
