2026 Pro Swim Series — Westmont: Day 4 Prelims Live Recap

2026 Pro Swim Series – Westmont

• Wednesday, March 4 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
• FMC Aquatic Center, Westmont, Illinois
• Long Course Meters (50 meters)
• Meet Central
• Psych Sheet
• Live Results
• Results on Meet Mobile: “2026 TYR Pro Swim Series – Westmont”
• Live Stream
• Live Recaps
  • Prelims: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
  • Finals: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
• Day 4 Prelims Heat Sheet

The final prelims session of the 2026 Pro Swim Series stop in Westmont is here, with an event slate featuring the 200 IM, 50 breaststroke, 400 freestyle, and 50 freestyle.

The session will kick-off with the 200 IM, where Canadian Summer McIntosh holds the top seed. McIntosh holds the World Record in the event with her personal best of 2:05.70, while she also set the Pro Swim Series record last year (2:06.82). Alex Walsh, the second seed in the event on the psych sheet, will not be competing after announcing that she was withdrawing from the meet due to illness. After McIntosh competes, her Texas teammates Shaine Casas and Carson Foster will show-down in the men’s event. Casas currently holds the top seed with his best time of 1:54.30, but Foster has thrown down some great swims thus far this competition.

While McIntosh is favoring the 200 IM over the 400 freestyle, there will still be plenty of excitement in that event as superstar Katie Ledecky will lead that field. Ledecky holds the Pro Swim Series Record in the event with the 3:56.81 she posted last year. Given that she has already posted one of the top 800 freestyle performances of all-time at this meet, she should have plenty of speed for the shorter 400 distance. There will also be plenty of heavy-hitters in the men’s 400 freestyle, with the field led by Sam Short who has been on a tear this week. Short has already demolished PSS records in both the 800 and 1500 distances, and will look to add the 400 to his list. He will face-off against Frenchman Leon Marchand and a slew of Americans vying for a title.

There will be two 50s contested on the final day, with the 50 breaststroke and 50 freestyle both on the slate. UNC’s Skyler Smith leads the women’s 50 breaststroke, while Michael Houlie holds the top spot in the men’s race currently. Both will face some stiff competition across the short distance. Meanwhile in the 50 freestyle, the field is loaded on both sides. In the women’s race, Gretchen Walsh, Simone Manuel, Rylee Erisman, and Taylor Ruck will all be in contention. The men’s event will be highlighted by Caeleb Dressel, Andrej Barna, Chris Guiliano, Matt King, and Michael Andrew. Its worth mentioning that Dressel’s participation remains a question after he scratched from some of his events earlier in the meet.

Women’s 200 IM Prelims

• World Record: Summer McIntosh (Canada) – 2:05.70 (2025)
• American Record: Ariana Kukors (USA) – 2:06.15 (2009)
• U.S. Open Record: Kate Douglass (USA) – 2:06.79 (2024)
• Junior World Record: Summer McIntosh (Canada) – 2:06.56 (2024)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Summer McIntosh (Canada) – 2:06.82 (2025)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Summer McIntosh (Longhorn Aquatic) — 2:12.13
2. Agostina Hein (Argentina) — 2:14.77
3. Phoebe Bacon (Wisconsin Aquatics) — 2:14.96
4. Brooklyn Douthwright (Swimming Canada) — 2:15.95
5. Lea Polonsky (California Aquatics) — 2:16.52
6. Emma Weyant (Gator Swim Club) — 2:16.79
7. Kelsey Zhang (Unattached) — 2:17.46
8. Maya Hetland (Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics) — 2:18.13

While resutls are showing up, they are certainly out-of-order at the moment. So, hang in there. Update: the results have been corrected

At this point in time, its clear that World Record holder Summer McIntosh retained her top seed with her performance this morning, posting an easy 2:12.13 to take the top spot in the final by over 2 seconds. McIntosh will look to challenge her PSS record in the event after already setting a PSS record in the 200 freestyle earlier in the meet.

With second seed Alex Walsh scratching the meet, it was Agostina Hein who finished 2nd this morning in 2:14.77. The standout from Argentina finished about 2.5 seconds shy of her personal best of 2:12.12, looking controlled in her efforts. American Phoebe Bacon, who competed in this event at the 2025 World Championships, finished 3rd in 2:14.96. Bacon, traditionally a backstroker, actually wasn’t even the fastest backstroker in the field. However, she had one of the fastest breaststroke splits across the board (39.65), implying that she could have something left in the tank for tonight.

22-year-old Brooklyn Douthwright notably had a great performance this morning to qualify for the final in a time of 2:15.95. This marked a 3 second improvement for her over her entry time.

Men’s 200 IM Prelims

• World Record: Leon Marchand (France) – 1:52.69 (2025)
• American Record: Ryan Lochte (USA) – 1:54.00 (2011)
• U.S. Open Record: Ryan Lochte (USA) – 1:54.43 (2010)
• Junior World Record: Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:56.99 (2021)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Leon Marchand (France) – 1:55.68 (2023)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Finlay Knox (Swimming Canada) — 2:01.60
2. Luke Barr (Texas Ford Aquatics) — 2:02.32
3. Carson Foster (New York Athletic Club) — 2:02.34
4. Grant Sanders (Unattached) — 2:02.53
5. Max Matteazzi (Team Pittsburgh Elite) — 2:02.91
6. Trenton Julian (Mission Viejo Nadadores) — 2:03.82
7. Ethan Heasley (Hillsboro Swim Team) — 2:04.15
8. David Sammons (SwimMAC Carolina) — 2:04.27

Canadian mainstay Finlay Knox knocked down a time of 2:01.60 in the 200 IM to take the top seed for the final. The 2024 World Champion in this event, Knox led the field by just shy of a second in his qualifying effort that included the only sub-30 second backstroke split (29.82). Behind him, a Luke Barr and Carson Foster are set up for a tight battle in 2nd and 3rd as they finished .02 apart from each other this morning (2:02.32 vs. 2:02.34). Foster holds a best time of 1:55.65 and should be much faster than his performance this morning in the final.

Notably, there were three key swimmers who elected to either DFS or no-show this event in favor of tonight’s 100 backstroke final. Shaine Casas, the top seed in this event, was a last-minute declared false start. He is currently qualified as the 3rd seed into the 100 backstroke final, Destin Lasco made a similar decision, no-showing this event in favor of the 100 back as the 6th seed in the final. Canadian Blake Tierney was also a scratch here as he holds the top seed into the 100 back final.

Women’s 50 Breast Prelims

• World Record: Ruta Meilutyte (Lithuania) – 29.16 (2023)
• American Record: Lilly King (USA) – 29.40 (2017)
• U.S. Open Record: Lilly King (USA) – 29.62 (2018)
• Junior World Record: Benedetta Pilato (Italy) – 29.30 (2021)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Lilly King (USA) – 29.62 (2018)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Skyler Smith (North Carolina Aquatic Club) — 30.79
2. Mona McSharry (Tennessee Aquatics) — 31.17
3. Breeja Larson (FAST Swim Team) — 31.54
4. Sophie Angus (Swimming Canada) — 31.57
5. Macarena Ceballos (Argentina) — 31.77
6. Kimberly Ruiz (New Wave Swim Team) — 31.86
7. Maddie Moreth (Valparaiso Swim Club) — 32.00
8. Frida Loebersli (Unattached) — 32.01

The women’s 50 breaststroke was full of speed, with only about a second separating the top 8 qualifiers. However, the story of the race was back in 3rd place as 33-year-old Breeja Larson made it back for her first A-final of the competition. A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Larson initially retired back in 2019 before quietly returning to the sport in 2024. While she hasn’t made a splash at any major meets since then, this result bodes well for her. While its undetermined if she will try for a spot in 2028, especially with the 50 breast being added as an event, she would certainly be one to keep an eye on in the midst of the discussion about the impact of adding the 50s to the Olympic calendar.

Former UNC standout Skyler Smith led all qualifiers this morning with a 30.79, the only swimmer in the field to go under 31 seconds. Smith’s best time of 30.41 only stands a few tenths faster than that. She will certainly be looking to push that mark in the final. Tennessee’s Mona McSharry was also solid with a 31.17 for second.

Men’s 50 Breast Prelims

• World Record: Adam Peaty (Great Britain) – 25.95 (2017)
• American Record: Nic Fink (USA) – 26.45 (2022)
• U.S. Open Record: Michael Andrew (USA) – 26.52 (2022)
• Junior World Record: Jan Malte Grafe (Germany) – 26.95 (2025)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Van Mathias (France) – 26.57 (2026)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Michael Andrew (MA Swim Academy) — 27.00
2. Michael Houlie (Tennessee Aquatics) — 27.11
3. Denis Petrashov (Cardinal Aquatics) — 27.36
4. Jack Kelly (New York Athletic Club) — 27.40
5. Josh Matheny (Indiana Swim Club) — 27.70
6. Uros Zivanovic (Auburn University) — 27.84
7. Finn Brooks (Indiana Swim Club) — 27.93
8. Oliver Dawson (Swimming Canada) — 27.95

Continuing his strong showing at this meet, Michael Andrew claimed the top spot into tonight’s 50 breast final in a time of 27.00. Andrew, who holds the US Open Record of  26.52 from 2022, posted one of his fastest performances over the last few years. After training as ASU last year, Andrew has since returned to train under his father, telling SwimSwam that he plans on focusing his efforts on the 50s and the 100 breaststroke through 2028.

Tennessee’s Michael Houlie also finished in the 27-lows with a 27.11. Houlie holds a best time of 26.72 from the 2025 US Open, so he could challenge Andrew for the top spot in the final. Cardinal Aquatics’ Denis Petrashov took third this morning in 27.36, with Jack Kelly close behind in 27.40.

Women’s 400 Free Prelims

• World Record: Summer McIntosh (Canada) – 3:54.15 (2025)
• American Record: Katie Ledecky (USA) – 3:56.46 (2016)
• U.S. Open Record: Katie Ledecky (USA) – 3:56.81 (2025)
• Junior World Record: Summer McIntosh (Canada) – 3:56.08 (2023)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Katie Ledecky (USA) – 3:56.81 (2025)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Katie Ledecky (Gator Swim Club) — 4:03.44
2. Maria Fernanda Costa (Brazil) — 4:12.83
3. Agostina Hein (Argentina) — 4:13.81
4. Molly Walker (Australia) — 4:14.65
5. Tiana Kritzinger (Australia) — 4:14.88
6. Anna Peplowski (Indiana Swim Club) — 4:15.68
7. Lindsay Looney (Longhorn Aquatic) — 4:16.08
8. Blakely Hammel (Episcopal AmberJ) — 4:16.74

As expected, Katie Ledecky easily dominated the heats of the women’s 400 freestyle, cruising to the top time of the morning by over 9 seconds. Ledecky was out in 58.39 before holding between 1:00 and 1:02 for the remainder of the race. Given that she took out her 800 freestyle on night 1 in a 4:03.68, she will certainly have a lot left in the tank for finals.

The heats were dominated primarily by foreign athletes, as they picked up places 2-3. Brazilian star Maria Fernanda Costa finished a distant 2nd to Ledecky in 4:12.83 to qualify 2nd. Shortly after her 200 IM, Agostina Hein placed 3rd in 4:13.81. It will be interesting to see if she keeps the double for finals given the proximity of the events. The Australian duo of Molly Walker (4:14.65) and Tiana Kritzinger (4:14.88) came in 4th and 5th, respectively.

Men’s 400 Free Prelims

• World Record: Lucas Martens (Germany) – 3:39.96 (2025)
• American Record: Larsen Jensen (USA) – 3:42.78 (2008)
• U.S. Open Record: Rex Maurer (USA) – 3:43.33 (2025)
• Junior World Record: Petar Petrov Mitsin (Bulgaria) – 3:44.31 (2023)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Sun Yang (China) – 3:43.55 (2016)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Lucas Henveaux (California Aquatics) — 3:51.98
2. Samuel Short (Australia) — 3:53.15
3. Luke Hobson (New York Athletic Club) — 3:53.48
4. Kieran Smith (Ridgefield Aquatics) — 3:53.83
5. Stephan Steverink (Brazil) — 3:53.85
6. Tommy Neill (Australia) — 3:54.63
7. Bobby Finke (Saint Petersburg) — 3:54.70
8. Leon Marchand (Longhorn Aquatic) — 3:56.27

The men’s 400 freestyle proved to be a tight tace, with places 2-8 separated by just over 3 seconds over the long distance. Lucas Henveaux led the field this morning with a 3:51.98 to easily take the top seed. In the final, his path to gold might not be so clear-cut as Sam Short qualified 2nd and is lingering behind him. Short, who already set PSS records in the 800 and 1500 this week, posted a 3:53.15 in a relaxed effort this morning.

Tonight’s final will be loaded with standouts as Luke Hobson, Kieran Smith, Tommy Neill, and Bobby Finke also made it through. Notably, French star Leon Marchand barely qualified for the A-final tonight after favoring this event over the 200 IM. Marchand posted a 3:56.27 this morning, but has traditionally done much better in the final.

Women’s 50 Free Prelims

• World Record: Sarah Sjostrom (Sweden) – 23.61 (2023)
• American Record: Kate Douglass (USA) – 23.91 (2024)
• U.S. Open Record: Abbey Weitzeil (USA) – 24.00 (2023)
• Junior World Record: Claire Curzan (USA) – 24.17 (2021)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Sarah Sjostrom (Sweden) – 24.17 (2016)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Gretchen Walsh (New York Athletic Club) — 24.51
2. Rylee Erisman (Laker Swim-FL) — 24.94
3. Olivia Smoliga (Unattached) — 25.07
4. Elizaveta Klevanovich (Auburn University) — 25.14
5. Taylor Ruck (Swimming Canada) — 25.21
6. Simone Manuel (Longhorn Aquatic) — 25.23
7. Kalia Antoniou (Unattached) — 25.27
8. (TIE) Leah Tigert (Toronto Swim Club)/Lily Price (Australia) — 25.51 *Swim-off Required*

The top women in the 50 freestyle all showed up and showed out in prelims. Gretchen Walsh led the field with a 24.51, almost a half second clear of her nearest competitor. Age-group star Rylee Erisman had a really great swim for 2nd this morning, throwing down a 24.94. That time only comes a few tenths off of her personal best of 24.62 set at the 2024 Olympic Trials. Olivia Smoliga continued a strong meet with a 25.07 performance for 3rd.

After placing well in the 100 freestyle earlier in the meet, Canadian Taylor Ruck also looked good in her 25.21 performance. Ruck has been performing well at this meet after down years in 2024 and 2025.

There will likely be a swim-off for the A-final between Leah Tigert and Lily Price as both swimmers touched in identical times of 25.51 for 8th overall. We will continue to update details as they become available.

Men’s 50 Free Prelims

• World Record: Cesar Cielo Filho (Brazil) – 20.91 (2009)
• American Record: Caeleb Dressel (USA) – 21.04 (2019, 2021)
• U.S. Open Record: Caeleb Dressel (USA) – 21.04 (2021)
• Junior World Record: Michael Andrew (USA) – 21.75 (2017)
• Pro Swim Series Record: Caeleb Dressel (USA) – 21.51 (2020)

Top 8 Qualifiers:

1. Nikita Sheremet (University of Louisville) — 21.80
2. Chris Guiliano (Longhorn Aquatic) — 21.86
3. Calvyn Justus (FAST Swim Team) — 22.03
4. Andrej Barna (Serbia) — 22.15
5. Matt King (Indiana Swim Club) — 22.15
6. Jokubas Keblys (Club Seminole-FL) — 22.29
7. Michael Andrew (MA Swim Academy) — 22.32
8. Bjornar Laskerud (NC State University) — 22.40

Nikita Sheremet led the men’s 50 freestyle field by just .06 with a 21.80. Sheremet, who had a breakout in SCY to become one of the fastest freshman sprinters in history last month, translated his speed into the big pool with his performance, coming just .05 off of his best time. After a strong performance in the 100 freestyle earlier in the meet, which saw him set a new PSS record, Chris Guiliano continued the momentum here with a 21.86. 30-year-old Calvyn Justus posted a best time with his performance for 3rd, touching the wall in 22.03 to erase his pervious mark of 22.11 from the 2025 US Open.

Michael Andrew made it back for another 50 final, just shortly after taking the top seed in the 50 breaststroke as he finishing in 22.32 for 7th this morning. While Andrew made it back, a few key swimmers missed the A-final by narrow margins in the close field. Both Caeleb Dressel and Brooks Curry notably finished in 22.62 for 11th overall to miss the A-final by . 2 seconds.