Get ready for an exciting start to the new year with the 2026 Pro Swim Series in Austin, Texas! The entries are in, and we're thrilled to announce a star-studded lineup for this major domestic swimming competition.
Leading the pack are the incredible Summer McIntosh and Leon Marchand, our 2025 Swammy Award winners for Female and Male Swimmer of the Year. These two powerhouses have dominated the individual medley events, setting world records in all four races. They're kicking off 2026 with a bang, competing in the 200 and 400 IM.
But here's where it gets interesting: McIntosh is also diving into the women's 100 free and 100 fly, while Marchand will take on the 200 back and 200 breast. With Marchand being the reigning Olympic champion in the 200 breast, this promises to be an intense battle.
Joining them are some other familiar faces from the Texas pro group, including Regan Smith, Simone Manuel, Shaine Casas, Carson Foster, Luke Hobson, and Chris Guiliano. Smith, in particular, is a force to be reckoned with, holding the top seed in all four of her events.
Now, let's talk about Katie Ledecky, the legendary swimmer who needs no introduction. Fresh off a historic year, Ledecky is set to swim her three best events at the meet, including the women's 400, 800, and 1500 free. But here's the part most people miss: she'll be going head-to-head with Claire Weinstein, a freshman at Cal, who's entered in all six female freestyle events and is ranked second to Ledecky in all three races.
Other notable Pan Pac members include Bobby Finke, Rylee Erisman, and Jack Alexy. Finke, a training mate of Ledecky's, will be competing in the men's 400, 800, and 1500 free, as well as the 200 fly and 400 IM. Alexy, the fastest male American 100 freestyler ever, is the top seed in the men's 50 and 100 free.
Moving on to the international scene, we have a strong contingent of European swimmers, particularly from France. Double gold medalist Maxime Grousset will be racing in the 50 and 100 fly, as well as the 50 and 100 free. Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, a double backstroke medalist from the 2025 Worlds, will also be in the mix, along with French sprinters Marie Wattel and Beryl Gastaldello.
And let's not forget about reigning world champion Anna Elendt, who will be racing in her previous home pool. Elendt won gold in the women's 100 breast at the 2025 World Championships and recently took the European SC title in the 200 breast.
But wait, there's more! Caeleb Dressel, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist and current world record holder in the men's 100 fly, is also making an appearance. Dressel, who seems rejuvenated and ready for the LA Olympics, has entered his four primary events, including the 50 free and 100 fly.
Other notable Americans in the field include Brooks Curry, Hunter Armstrong, Matt King, Kieran Smith, Charlotte Crush, and Teagan O'Dell.
With such a diverse and talented lineup, this Pro Swim Series is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Who do you think will emerge as the top performers? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more swimming excitement!
