Preview, schedule, stars to observe

Swimming 2025 U.S. Open Championships: athletes to observe

Austin brings collectively a density of star energy not often seen at a home meet, and the mix of returning champions, rising collegiate names and worldwide contenders ought to create compelling storylines throughout all 4 days.

McIntosh’s comeback is probably some of the anticipated. After sickness lower brief her autumn plans, the Canadian returns with a five-event slate. Her strongest markers stay the 400 freestyle and 200 butterfly, however curiosity will centre on how shortly she settles into racing underneath her new coaching atmosphere in Texas.

France’s four-time Olympic champion Leon Marchand, who additionally trains on the University of Texas in Austin, has opted for an eclectic schedule, heavy on dash and stroke races relatively than medleys, making his week an intriguing checkpoint in his future LA 28 Olympic build-up.

The girls’s sprints might be formed by the presence of Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass, who arrive with world titles and sharp kind. Their matchups within the 50 and 100 freestyle, in addition to the breaststroke and IM occasions, inject fast depth into the programme.

In the backstroke occasions, ensure that to tune in to the long-expected conflict between Hungary’s Hubert Kos and South Africa’s Pieter Coetzé. Kos enters after a brief course season the place he produced two world data, whereas the 21-year-old Coetzé has made some severe statements within the backstroke this 12 months.

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Dressel’s return to competitors can be to not be missed. After some coaching modifications, the delivery of a second youngster, and several other months away from the blocks, his outings within the 50 free, 50 fly and 100 fly might be watched carefully for indicators of sharpness.

The distance races additionally promise high quality, with double world champion Ahmed Jaouadi assembly Olympic champion Bobby Finke, and NCAA standouts Rex Maurer and Luka Mijatovic including depth to the fields.