Pro Swim Series Westmont: Ledecky, Dressel, McIntosh, and Marchand Headline Competition

Westmont, Illinois, is set to host the second stop of the 2026 Pro Swim Series from March 4-7 at the FMC Aquatic Center. The competition promises a deep pool of talent, featuring some of the world’s top swimmers, including Katie Ledecky, Caeleb Dressel, Summer McIntosh, and Leon Marchand.

Ledecky vs. McIntosh: A Rivalry Continues

One of the most anticipated matchups of the meet will be the women’s 800-meter freestyle, showcasing the ongoing rivalry between Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh. The two are also slated to compete in the 200-meter freestyle and the 400-meter individual medley. SwimSwam highlights the 800 free as the primary event to watch, with the 200 free offering a potential upset.

McIntosh currently holds the top entered time in the 200 free at 1:53.65, set at the 2023 World Championships, while Ledecky’s fastest time in the event came at the 2016 Rio Olympics (1:53.73). Ledecky recently swam a 1:54.97 in April 2024 at the Pre Series in San Antonio. Ledecky broke her own world record in the 800m free in 2025, finishing in 8:04.12.

Men’s 100 Freestyle: A Highly Competitive Field

The men’s 100-meter freestyle is shaping up to be a marquee event, led by Paris Olympian Chris Guiliano (47.25) and Caeleb Dressel (47.25). Destin Lasco (47.58), Matt King (47.94), and Brooks Curry (47.96) also enter as strong contenders. Yahoo Sports notes that Dressel hasn’t won a major event since the 2025 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Other notable entrants include Kieran Smith (48.36) and Luke Hobson (48.50). Guiliano won the event in Austin in 48.14 and finished second at the US Open in 47.63.

Distance Freestyle Battle: Wiffen, Finke, and Short

Daniel Wiffen, Bobby Finke, and Sam Short are poised to battle in the men’s 800 and 1500-meter freestyle events. The men’s 800 free will be a prelim/final race with a $3,000 prize for the winner. The competition will be a welcome return to healthy racing for all three, after Short and Finke suffered food poisoning and Wiffen dealt with appendicitis in 2025.

Michael Andrew Returns

Michael Andrew will be making his first major meet appearance since reuniting with his father and coach, Peter Andrew, in Hawaii. He is entered in the 50 and 100-meter breaststroke, 50 and 100-meter butterfly, and 50-meter freestyle. Andrew is looking to regain form after failing to qualify for the 2023 World Championships and 2024 Olympic Team.

American Women’s Backstroke Dominance

The American women’s backstroke contingent, led by Regan Smith, is expected to showcase its strength in Westmont. Smith, Katherine Berkoff, Phoebe Bacon, Rhyan White, and Isabelle Stadden are among the top competitors. The 200-meter backstroke, Smith’s only backstroke event at the meet, is anticipated to be particularly competitive.

Broadcast Schedule

The 2026 Pro Swim Series Westmont will be broadcast on the following platforms:

• Wednesday: USA Swimming Network, 7 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Peacock, 7 p.m. ET
• Friday: NBCSN & Peacock, 7 p.m. ET
• Saturday: NBC, 1 p.m. ET (Delayed) & USA Swimming Network, 7 p.m. ET