WESTMONT, IL – Leon Marchand continued his impressive form at the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, on Wednesday, securing a dominant double victory in the 200m backstroke and 200m breaststroke. The performance comes as Marchand prepares for a pivotal year that includes the European Championships and builds toward future Olympic contention. Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky reaffirmed her status as a distance freestyle icon, besting Summer McIntosh in a highly anticipated 800m freestyle showdown.
Marchand’s Versatility on Display
The 23-year-old French Olympic champion showcased remarkable versatility, winning the 200m backstroke – an event not typically considered one of his specialties – in a time of 1:57.56. He finished ahead of Canada’s Blake Tierney, who clocked in at 1:58.61. This victory signals a broadening of Marchand’s competitive range as he refines his skills under the guidance of coach Bob Bowman, the renowned mentor of Michael Phelps.
Marchand then followed up his backstroke win with a commanding performance in his signature event, the 200m breaststroke. He touched the wall in 2:10.06, leaving Josh Matheny (2:10.71) and training partner Jack Kelly (2:10.96) to battle for the remaining podium spots. Kelly, as well coached by Bowman in Texas, led for much of the race before being overtaken by Marchand’s powerful finish.
Building Momentum After Austin
This strong showing at Westmont builds on a successful start to the 2026 season for Marchand. In mid-January, at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Austin, Texas, he secured victories in the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, and 200m breaststroke, and finished second in the 200m backstroke. The consistent results demonstrate a clear upward trajectory as he prepares for major international competitions.
Ledecky and McIntosh Clash in 800m Freestyle
The highly anticipated 800m freestyle race lived up to its billing, pitting two of the fastest performers in the event’s history against each other: Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh. Ledecky emerged victorious, clocking a time of 8:08.57, narrowly defeating McIntosh, who finished in 8:10.57. Brazilian Maria Fernanda Costa rounded out the top three in 8:29.41.
This marked the first head-to-head matchup between Ledecky and McIntosh in the 800m freestyle since the World Championships in Singapore last summer, where Ledecky secured her seventh world title in the event. The race underscored Ledecky’s continued dominance in the distance freestyle events, despite the emergence of rising stars like McIntosh.
What’s Next for Marchand and Ledecky?
The Pro Swim Series in Westmont continues through Saturday, offering both Marchand and Ledecky further opportunities to test their form and refine their racing strategies. Marchand is scheduled to compete in the 100m breaststroke on Thursday, March 5th, the 200m freestyle on Friday, March 6th, and the 400m freestyle on Saturday, March 7th. He is considering adding the 400m freestyle to his program.
Looking ahead, Marchand is expected to compete at the European Championships in Paris later this year. The competition will serve as a crucial stepping stone as he continues to build toward future international success. Ledecky will likely continue her pursuit of excellence on the world stage, aiming to add to her already impressive collection of Olympic and World Championship medals.
For swimming fans, the Westmont Pro Swim Series has provided a compelling glimpse into the current state of the sport, showcasing the talent and dedication of athletes like Leon Marchand and Katie Ledecky. Their performances signal an exciting future for competitive swimming, with both established stars and emerging talents pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Next Up: Leon Marchand will race the 100m breaststroke on Thursday, March 5th. Keep up with the latest results and schedules on the USA Swimming website.
