Now that the Austin stop of the USA Swimming Pro Series has concluded, with Summer McIntosh and Regan Smith highlighting the action, attention shifts to the next leg of the series in Westmont, Illinois. Competition in Westmont, a suburb of Chicago, is set to take place from March 4-7 at the FMC Natatorium. Westmont has served as a regular host for Pro Series racing since its debut on the circuit in 2022.
When athletes gather for the meet, the new schedule adopted by USA Swimming for the Pro Series will be in effect. Semifinals are scheduled for each of the 100-meter events while the men’s 800 freestyle is scheduled for a prelims-finals format. In Austin, the 50-meter events, along with the 200 individual medley, utilized a prelims-semifinals-finals setup. Meanwhile, the women’s 800 freestyle featured prelims and finals. USA Swimming added rotating semifinals to the Pro Series as a way to mimic the schedule followed in international competitions.
At last year’s leg in Westmont, Shaine Casas put together a superb showing, winning the 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Canadian Summer McIntosh won multiple events in the women’s meet, including a U.S. Open record of 4:26.98 in the 400 individual medley.
