Next week marks an exciting event for swimming enthusiasts, with the 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series taking place from March 5 to 8 at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Illinois. This meet draws significant attention as it features some of the biggest names in competitive swimming, many of whom are making their long course return since the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Among the standout entries is Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh, who is set to compete in her three gold medal events from Paris—the 200m and 400m individual medleys, along with the 200m butterfly. McIntosh's performances have been stellar; she recently made waves by becoming only the second woman ever to swim below 8:10 in the 800m freestyle at the Copa Internacional. Her rapid ascent continues to captivate swimming fans worldwide.
Joining McIntosh at the event are U.S. Olympic medalists Kate Douglass and Regan Smith. Douglass will showcase her talent across five events: the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke, the 50m freestyle, and the 50m butterfly. This will be her opportunity to continue her momentum from the Olympic Games, where she secured silver behind McIntosh. Regan Smith, fresh off her triumphs at the recent Short Course World Championships, will also feature prominently, competing in the 200m fly, 200m free, and all three backstroke events. She will have the chance to go head-to-head with McIntosh again, particularly bringing intrigue to the 200m fly match-up.
Throughout the series, swimmers like Simone Manuel and Penny Oleksiak will be present, promising thrilling races, including the highly anticipated duel between Manuel and Oleksiak during the 100m free event. Both athletes share Olympic gold legacy from Rio, and this meet could help rekindle their competitive fire. Lily King, another prominent swimmer, is listed on the psych sheet but will participate exclusively in the 50m and 100m breaststroke.
The men's competition will showcase several noteworthy athletes, including Michael Andrew, who is anticipated to make significant strides after his relocation to Arizona State University for training. He will swim multiple events including the 50m and 100m breaststroke, as well as the 200m individual medley. Michael Andrew, who faced setbacks at the Olympic Trials, aims to prove himself on U.S. soil once again. Other notable male competitors include Hunter Armstrong, who contributed to relay medal wins during the Games, and Shaine Casas, fresh from achieving the short course world title.
Every swimmer attending brings their own achievements and ambitions to this meet. For many, this competition serves as preparation for the U.S. Championships set for June 3-7, 2025, where candidates will champion for spots on the World Championships team later this summer. Athletes can view this as their chance to sharpen their skills against top competition as they gear up for these pivotal competitions.
With each race at the TYR Pro Swim Series, fast times and fierce competition are expected. The meet will be broadcast live on Peacock, with finals airing at 7 p.m. ET on March 6 and 7, and highlights available on CNBC on March 8 at 1:30 p.m. ET. With such high stakes, both fans and competitors are eagerly awaiting the showdown.
Finally, this meet signifies more than just individual races; it stands as a platform for swimmers to showcase growth, demonstrate resilience, and prepare for upcoming championships. The strong presence of Olympic competitors will surely set the stage for remarkable performances, fueling the excitement leading up to the World Championships later this year.
This 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series not only marks the reunion of elite swimmers but also promises to be pivotal as they build momentum toward the competitions on the horizon. For swimming aficionados, it is not to be missed as they prepare to witness potential new records and outstanding displays of athleticism.