World Cup Stop in Westmont Was a Successful Showcase for Illinois Swimming
Last weekend (Oct. 17-19), the FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park played host to the second stop of the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup circuit, drawing some of the fastest swimmers on the planet to suburban Chicago for three days of competition. With professional athletes racing against Illinois club athletes, the event turned a local pool into an international showcase of speed and precision.
For Illinois’ swimming community, the state’s deep talent and growing reputation on the world stage was evident. Fans packed the stands for all sessions and hometown athletes seized their moment to compete against some of the best swimmers in the world, thereby creating a weekend that balanced elite competition with local connections.
Here are a few highlights worth noting:
1. Illinois Talent on Display
One of the defining features of the Westmont stop was the strong presence of Illinois club swimmers, not just in the stands, but in the water. Athletes from FMC Aquatic (FMC-IL), Academy Bullets Swim Club (ACAD-IL), Fox Valley Swim Team (FOX-IL), and Delta Aquatics (DLTA-IL) were among the many local competitors who made their mark across prelims and finals.
Throughout the weekend, teammates and fans from across the state packed the FMC Natatorium to cheer on both the world’s best and their own. Watching Illinois’ homegrown athletes share the deck with Olympians from around the globe offered a powerful reminder of the depth and talent found within Illinois Swimming’s LSC.
2. The Environment
The FMC Natatorium was packed with energy from start to finish, with fans, teammates, and families filling nearly every seat across all three days of competition. Spectators lined the upper deck and crowded around the glass railings, creating an atmosphere that felt like a national championship meet. Compared to Carmel’s World Cup stop, which drew an estimated 750–800 fans per session, Westmont’s turnout was even stronger.
Beyond the racing, event organizers elevated the experience with a professional-level production. Pyrotechnics punctuated athlete walkouts during finals and brought a sense of spectacle without overshadowing the competition. The music selection during races was similarly energizing and engaging. Together, the atmosphere, presentation, and crowd support gave the Westmont stop a unique blend of elite competition and community enthusiasm.
3. The Records
Several world records were broken on Night Two and Night Three, including a mark in the 200-meter freestyle by Mollie O’Callaghan of Australia (1:49.77) and a record-tying effort in the 100-meter backstroke by Regan Smith of the United States (54.02). Additionally, Kaylee McKeown set a world record in the 200-meter backstroke (1:57.87) and American Kate Douglass broke the 100-meter freestyle world record with a swim of 50.19.
Most notably, the record-breaking swims drew significant attention from the younger swimmers in-house, who lined the pool deck and stands in awe as some of the sport’s biggest names delivered historic performances. Many of these age-group athletes could be seen cheering for their idols, creating an electric and inspiring environment.
4. Illinois Established a Presence
If one takeaway stood out, it was this: Illinois acquitted itself admirably as a host to international swimming. The success of the World Cup in Westmont proved that world-class meets can thrive outside of coastal hubs, setting the stage for more major competitions in years to come.
